The Royals were upbeat and optimistic entering the season after going 18-8 last September and having a good spring training with no major injuries. Kansas City has improved from a pitiful 56 victories in 2005 to 75 in 2008, its first year under manager Trey Hillman. If the Royals increase that to 84 victories, that would be the most by a K.C. club since the 1993 team went 84-78.
PLAYER NEWS: --CF Coco Crisp remembered White Sox closer Bobby Jenks struck him out Tuesday, so Thursday he was looking for a pitch to hit early in the count. He belted a game-winning home run with Alberto Callaspo aboard. "My first home run with the Royals in a key situation, it was nice," Crisp said. "I was looking for the fastball, just trying to get a hit. I was actually looking away, but I was just able to go with it."
--DH/1B Billy Butler went 0-for-11 in the three-game series at Chicago after hitting .304 in spring training.
--DH/1B Mike Jacobs did not start against White Sox LHP John Danks. With the Royals facing tough Yankees LHPs Andy Pettitte and CC Sabathia the next two days, Jacobs could get more bench time. "We'll see what we do after (Thursday)," manager Trey Hillman said. "I'm really not fearful about putting Jake out there (against left-handers)." Jacobs, like DH/1B Billy Butler, went hitless in the series against the White Sox.
--OF Shane Costa, who hit .455 in spring training but was designated for assignment Sunday, cleared waivers and was outrighted to Class AAA Omaha. Costa had a right wrist injury last year in the minors, limiting him to 75 games. He has a .254 average in 154 games over parts of three seasons with Kansas City.
MEDICAL WATCH:
LHP John Bale (thyroid surgery on March 3) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. When he regains his strength and stamina, he will be activated, but he likely will pitch at least one or two games on a minor league rehab assignment first.
ROTATION:
1. RHP Gil Meche
2. RHP Zack Greinke
3. RHP Kyle Davies
4. RHP Sidney Ponson (inactive as of opening day)
5. LHP Horacio Ramirez
BULLPEN:
RHP Joakim Soria (closer)
RHP Kyle Farnsworth
LHP Ron Mahay
RHP Juan Cruz
RHP Doug Waechter
RHP Robinson Tejada
RHP Jamey Wright
LINEUP:
1. CF Coco Crisp
2. LF David DeJesus
3. 2B Mark Teahen
4. RF Jose Guillen
5. 1B Mike Jacobs
6. DH Billy Butler
7. 3B Alex Gordon
8. C Miguel Olivo
9. SS Mike Aviles
RESERVES:
C John Buck
INF/OF Willie Bloomquist
INF Alberto Callaspo
C/INF/OF Brayan Pena
INF Tony Pena Jr.
