SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) -- First base is so crowded for Kansas City
this spring, the Royals could almost use a traffic cop. Manager
Trey Hillman is crossing his fingers that one of four candidates
will emerge as a regular before the season starts.
The four candidates include one guy who would rather play
another position. Mark Teahen has already been shifted from third
base, his first love, to right field. He'll most likely wind up as
the starting left fielder.
Then there's Billy Butler, the hot young hitting prospect who
desperately needs to find a position. Also in the mix are Ross
Gload, a 31-year-old veteran who filled in admirably as a part-time
starter last year; and Ryan Shealy, last year's starter who got
hurt and lost his job.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
APNP-02-20-08 1600CST