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. 

--There were 13 Royals on the opening-day roster who were not on the 2008 season-opening roster. 

Manager Trey Hillman had right-hander Kyle Farnsworth pitching in a crucial situation in the eighth inning Tuesday with the Royals clinging to a one-run lead. 

Jim Thome hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning and the Chicago White Sox rallied past the Kansas City Royals 4-2 in a season opener delayed a day because of bad weather. 

The Chicago White Sox relied heavily on power hitting in 2008. 

Jim Thome got to totally enjoy this opening-day home run. 

Jim Thome pumped his fist as he rounded the bases and then came out for a curtain call. 

There is a reason the Royals are normally out of the race by Mother's Day. 

--The Royals hit . 

The Royals are upbeat and optimistic entering the season after going 18-8 last September and having a good spring training with no major injuries. 

The Chicago White Sox needed an extra day to clinch the AL Central title in 2008. 

The Chicago White Sox needed an extra day to clinch the AL Central title in 2008. 

The Royals are upbeat and optimistic entering the season after going 18-8 last September and having a good spring training with no major injuries. 

The Royals have had a major overhaul of their roster from a year ago with 12 players on the 2008 opening-day roster not on the 25-man roster when the season starts Monday. 

--RHP Jamey Wright, who came to camp as a non-roster invitee, had his contract purchased Sunday and will be used as a long reliever.