HITTER TO WATCH:

The Royals are stocked with sophomores like Alex Gordon and Billy Butler, but they left their closest hitting prospect, Chris Lubanski, off their 40-man roster this winter, and Mitch Maier projects as a fourth or fifth outfielder.

PITCHER TO WATCH:

Former No. 1 overall pick Luke Hochevar hasn't met the high expectations brought on by his position in the draft, but should surface this year as a back-of-the-rotation starter with a solid three-pitch mix.
-- Keith Law, Scouts Inc.

JUST THE FACTS

• The bats are heating up. The Royals ranked 27th in runs scored last year, but Alex Gordon and Billy Butler are ready to roll. Free agent signee Jose Guillen (23 HRs in '07) will help too.
• They have a numbers guy. But he's not in the front office. Before each start, Brian Bannister studies stats to look for hitters' tendencies, such as their aggressiveness on the first pitch.
• Call it a comeback. Social anxiety cost Zack Greinke most of '06. He re-entered the rotation in '07 and had a 2.42 ERA in the second half, with a fastball that reached the high 90s.
• Trey Hillman is a breath of fresh air. The former Nippon Ham Fighters manager, who took that club to two straight Japan Series, is infusing a team-first attitude in the Royals.

HEARSAY

"Every report on the Royals I get from my scouts this spring is filled with lines about how Billy Butler is turning into a beast," says an AL GM. "He's hitting everything."

HOUSE CALL

"The powder blue uniforms are back, and people are excited. Plus, we've got a new manager. Anything can happen -- at least when it's spring." -- Sam Graves, R-Mo.
-- Buster Olney

How many games will the Royals win in 2008? Do they have the top lineup, rotation, bullpen or manager in their division? Did they do the best job improving their team in the offseason with the acquisition of Jose Guillen? Register your vote.

AL Central poll page

SLEEPER

Zack Greinke posted a 1.85 ERA in seven late-season starts, has good hard breaking stuff and very good control, and it wouldn't be a shock to see him post a sub-4.00 ERA and 150 strikeouts in '08. He's also only getting drafted in about half of mixed leagues.

BUST

It's probably not fair to call Mark Teahen a bust, because after '07, not that much is expected of him. But it's still disappointing to have a guy drop 111 OPS points a year after making tons of sleeper lists. He's not a power hitter, so stay away.
-- Christopher Harris

INJURIES

After dealing with a problematic left knee in 2007 (cartilage damage, meniscus tear), Mark Grudzielanek decided he would take it slowly during spring training this year. Ah, the best-laid plans. Despite his controlled activity, Grudzielanek managed to strain his lower back, which significantly limited his work this spring. To the relief of Royals fans, he returned to the lineup March 22 and managed to deliver a home run. The important thing is that the 37-year-old second baseman manages to stay consistently healthy enough to contribute as the season progresses.
-- Stephania Bell