The Royals let 32-year old righty swinging Jose Guillen DH some last season but that won’t be a option in 2009. Guillen played in 153 games for the Royals last season and he was 158 for 598 (.264 avg, .738 OPS) with 66 runs scored, 20 homers and 97 RBIs. With an improved lineup for the 2009 season look for Guillen to put up good offensive numbers. Guillen played in 67 games in RF last season making 3 errors and showing below average range. He still has a very strong arm as he threw out 7 runners trying to advance on him last season.

27-year old lefty swinging Mark Teahan could get some P.T. in RF in 2009. Teahan played in 149 games for the Royals last season and he was 146 for 572 (.255 avg, .715 OPS) with 66 runs scored, 15 homers, 59 RBIs and 4 stolen bases. Teahan played in 92 games in RF last season making 2 errors and showing slightly below average range.

27-year old lefty swinging Shane Costa played in 75 games in AAA-ball last year and he was 86 for 292 (.295 avg, .823 OPS) with 42 runs scored, 10 homers, 42 RBIs and 11 stolen bases. He will have a hard time getting to K.C. this season.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2009 SEASON: B-

29-year old switch hitting Coco Crisp will be the new starting CF and leadoff hitter for the Royals in 2009. Crisp played in 118 games for the Red Sox last season and he was 102 for 361 (.283 avg, .751 OPS) with 55 runs scored, 7 homers, 41 RBIs and 20 stolen bases. Crisp played in 114 games in CF last season for the Red Sox and he made 2 errors while showing below average range.

If something happened to Crisp and he had to miss time, David DeJesus would likely slide over from LF. DeJesus played in 68 games in CF last seasom making only 1 error while showing good range.

29-year old switch hitting Tommy Murphy will likely be a insurance policy in AAA-ball for the Royals in 2009. Murphy played in 115 games in AAA-ball last season and he was 136 for 453 (.300 avg, .781 OPS) with 84 runs scored, 6 homers, 37 RBIs and 42 stolen bases.

24-year old lefty swinging Chris Lubanski will also start the 2009 season in the minors. He played in 116 games in AAA-ball last season in which he was 95 for 393 (.242 avg, .754 OPS) with 51 runs scored, 15 homers, 54 RBIs and 5 stolen bases. Lubanski does have a lot of holes in his swing as he did whiff 130 times last season.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2009 SEASON: C

29-year old lefty swinging outfielder David DeJesus is shifting from CF to LF for the 2009 season. He played in 135 games for the Royals last season and he was 159 for 518 (.307 avg, .818 OPS) with 70 runs scored, 12 homers, 73 RBIs and 11 stolen bases. DeJesus played in 71 games in LF last season for the Royals making 0 errors while showing outstanding range. Look for DeJesus to have a good season for the Royals as he will be dropped into a run producing slot in the lineup.

26-year old lefty swinging Mitch Maier will likely back up DeJesus in LF. He is the #23 rated prospect in the Royals’ organization according to Baseball America. Maier played in 34 games for the Royals last season and he was 26 for 91 (.286 avg, .635 OPS) with 9 runs scored and 9 RBIs.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2009 SEASON: B

The Royals have placed 34-year old lefty reliever John Bale on the 15-day disabled list as he recovers from thyroid surgery. Bale pitched in 13 games (3 starts) for the Royals last season and he was 0-3 with a 4.39 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP. In two seasons with the Royals, Bale has pitched in 39 games (3 starts) in which he is 1-4 with a 4.18 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP. The Royals should be able to cover for Bale until he gets back.

The Royals have released 32-year old righty reliever Joel Peralta. Peralta pitched in 40 games (0 starts) for the Royals last season and he was 1-2 with a 5.98 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP. Peralta has now pitched in 194 games (0 starts) in his major league career and he is 4-8 with 2 saves, a 4.45 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. Peralta will likely find a new team soon as he does have some talent.