It is officially baseball season, and the Royals appear to be the favorites to win the American League Central Division coming off of an 86-win season a year ago. Kansas City lost pitcher Ervin Santana to Atlanta in the off-season, but bolstered its defense by adding former Milwaukee Brewer outfielder, Nori Aoki and signing former Tiger infielder, Omar Infante in free agency.

The Royals pitching staff is very strong, and is poised to have another solid campaign this year. James Shields, a former number two hurler in Tampa Bay’s rotation, had a very good year a season ago. Bruce Chen and Jeremy Guthrie, both former Orioles starters, are coming off of great seasons a year ago. Greg Holland and Danny Duffy are both coming off of consistent years as relievers in the rotation, a year which saw Holland as a part of  the American League All-Star team. Tim Collins has solidified his standing as the set up man in the Royals bullpen, receiving more playing time at the discretion of manager Ned Yost.