Kansas City Royals

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Kansas City Royals Information

The Kansas City Royals were established in 1969 and currently play in the American League Central Division. As a franchise the Royals have had modest success for a small market team. They were able to capture the World Series title in 1985 before free agency made it tough for small markets to compete. They have two AL Pennants, but have not made the playoffs since their lone World Series run.

After a long spell of losing seasons, the Royals seemed as though they were taking steps in the right direction in 2008. Mike Sweeney and Angel Berroa were released as they acquired Jose Guillen and Gil Meche to better fit the ball club. The Royals finished the season with their best record since 2003 at 75-87. Closer Joakim Soria totaled for 42 saves on the year, being the only Kansas City representative in the MLB All-Star game.

Before the start of the 2009 season the Royals signed ace pitcher Zack Grienke to a four-year 38 million dollar deal. Greinke went on to win the AL Cy Young Award after posting a 2.16 ERA with 16 wins.

In 2010, the Royals placed last in the division with a 67-95 record, but in 2011, improved their record enough to place fourth with a 71-91 record. That off-season, they traded major players—Zach Greinke and David DeJesus—away.

2012 will see the Royals host the All-Star game as they try to improve their record in the increasingly difficult AL Central Division.

Photo by Flickr user ianmunroe