MLB Baseball Betting - Kansas City Royals

Manager: Trey Hillman, (first full season)

2007: 69-93, fifth in AL Central

Training: Surprise, Ariz, Surprise Stadium.

Home Park: Kauffman Staduim, Kansas City, Mo., Cap. 40,793, Grass, Opened April 10, 1973.

World Series Titles: (1) 1985

Acquisitions: INF Alberto Callaspo, OF Jose Guillen, LHP Tim Hamulack, LHP Ray Liotta, LHP Ron Mahay, LHP Mike Maroth, RHP Hideo Nomo, C Miguel Olivo, RHP Matt Peterson, RHP Brett Tomko, RHP Chin-hui Tsao, RHP Yasuhiko Yabuta.

Departures: 1B Wes Bankston,OF Emil Brown, RHP Billy Buckner, C Jason LaRue, LHP Odalis Perez, C Paul Phillips, RHP David Riske, DH Mike Sweeney

Outlook: Kansas City’s starting rotation should be improved over last season, even if only slightly. Though No.1 starter Gil Meche, (9-13, 3.67 ERA),is the highest paid player on the team, it is No. 2 starter Brian Bannister, (12-9, 3.87 ERA) that may be the team’s best pitcher. Zack Greinke, (7-7, 3.69 ERA) should be even better in 2008, though fourth and fifth starter, veterans, John Bale and Brett Tomko are mediocre at best.

The bullpen has been revamped after losing veterans David Riske to free agency and Octavio Dotel via trade at the July trade deadline. Kansas City’s 2008 bullpen will feature newcomers Yasuhiko Yabuta, a 12-year Japan League veteran, and Ron Mahay, a veteran left-hander, though both have struggled this spring. Joakim Soria, who recorded 17 saves as a rookie last season, is expected to be the team’s closer all season.

The offense, which ranked last in the American League in home runs last season should also be slightly improved over last season with the addition of veteran right fielder Jose Guillen batting in the cleanup spot this season, Guillen posted modest numbers of .290 with 23 home runs in 153 games with the Seattle Mariners last season.

Guillen, however, will start the regular season with a 15-day suspension for allegedly purchasing HGH and steroids, which he is appealing.

Second-year third baseman Alex Gordon was a Rookie of the Year candidate after batting .247 with 15 home runs and 60 RBI. Gordon will  start the season as the No. 3 hitter, batting in front of Guillen.

Veteran second baseman Mark Grudzielanek batted .302 last season in 116 games and Kansas City has promising but still inconsistent players in first baseman Russ Gload, DH Billy Butler and left fielder Mark Teahen.

The Royals start 2007 listed at + 20000 to win the 2008 World Series in the BetUS Sportsbook. Check out all the latest MLB odds in the BetUS Sportsbook and futures section.

Go to the BetUS sportsbook today and take a swing at Major League Baseball online betting. We have the most current baseball odds and lines, as well as player, game and series props throughout the season. To help you bet on sports, check out the Free Picks section of the Locker Room for sports betting free picks and predictions. Join BetUS to experience the best in online sports betting action!

Official Website: www.kansascityroyals.com