'08 RAPs: Kansas City Royals

Over the last year-and-a-half, the Kansas City Royals, led by Super-GM Dayton Moore, have made tremendous strides. Despite finishing last in the AL Central last season, the Royals have tons to look foward to this year. Most importantly is their importing of manager Trey Hillman fron Japan.

However, here are some other moves they've made this offseason:

• Signed pitcher, Yasuhiko Yabuta to a two-year contract.
• Signed right-fielder, Jose Guillen to a three-year contract.
• Acquired infielder Alberto Callaspo from the Arizona Diamondbacks for pitcher Billy Buckner.
• Signed reliever, Ron Mahay to a two-year contract.
• Signed catcher Miguel Olivo to a one-year contract.
• Signed pitchers Hideo Nomo and Chin-Hui Tsao to minor league contracts.
• Signed pitcher Brett Tomko to a one-year contract.

With those moves, here's how the team outline looks for 2008:

Rotation: SP1: Gil Meche; SP2: Brian Bannister; SP3: Zack Grienke; SP4/5: Leo Nunez/Brett Tomko/Kyle Davies Bullpen: Closer: Joakim Soria; Set-Up: Yasuhiko Yabuta Field: DH: Jose Guillen/Billy Butler/Ryan Shealy; C: John Buck; 1B: Billy Butler/Ross Gload; 2B: Mark Grudzielanek/Callaspo; SS: Tony Pena Jr.; 3B: Alex Gordon; LF: Jose Guillen/Joey Gathright; CF: David DeJesus; RF: Mark Teahen

Predictions: Easiest: The Royals bullpen will be the best in the Central. Boldest: The Royals will win the division. Team MVP: Yasuhiko Yabuta Best Season: Zack Grienke (12-16 wins) Best Offensive Season: Mark Teahen (20-30 HRs; 85-95 RBIs) Breakout Player: Alex Gordon (15-25 HRs; .300 AVG.; 20-30 SBs)

Stay Tuned: Tommorow I will be covering the White Sox