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: --RHP Sidney Ponson, who started Friday in a 4-1 loss to the Yankees, was added to the roster as his contract was purchased from Class AAA Omaha. The roster spot was available because RF Jose Guillen was placed on the disabled list.
Ponson was struck by a Hideki Matsui hard one-hopper in his pitching hand in the first inning but remained in the game after being inspected by trainer Nick Swartz. "If I was not 100 percent, I would have said something," Ponson said. "I'm not going to jeopardize something to put us in a bigger hole to become Superman. The hand is fine. That had nothing to do with it." Ponson, however, gave up a two-run single to Jorge Posada on the next pitch.
--1B Mike Jacobs collected his first hit and first RBI as a Royal in the second inning. While the hit was ruled a double, Yankees RF Nick Swisher lost it in the sun and it bounced off his glove as he attempted to make a sliding catch.
--RHP Kyle Farnsworth drew boos in the pre-game introductions Friday, three days after he gave up a three-run homer in the eighth inning to White Sox left-handed slugger Jim Thome. Farnsworth entered in the seventh Friday to face three Yankees left-handed hitters -- Johnny Damon, Mark Teixeira and Hideki Matsui -- and struck out all three.
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
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. SS Mike Aviles
3. LF David DeJesus
4. RF Mark Teahen
5. 3B Alex Gordon
6. DH Billy Butler
7. 1B Mike Jacobs
8. C Miguel Olivo
9. 2B Alberto Callaspo
RESERVES:
C John Buck
INF/OF Willie Bloomquist
C/INF/OF Brayan Pena
INF Tony Pena Jr.
