SURPRISE, Arizona (AP)--Royals general manager Dayton More says his team could compete in the AL Central this season.
His comments came today as Kansas City began its first full-squad workout. The Royals have not been in the playoffs since winning the 1985 World Series.
Last season, Kansas City won 75 games and escaped last place in its division for the first time in five years. With the off-season offensive additions Mike Jacobs, Coco Crisp and Willie Bloomquist, the Royals believe they could be legitimate contenders in 2009.
Moore says the Royals have had a 13-game improvement over the last two years.
Moore says Kansas City needs two things to contend: cohesive starting pitching and the entire team staying healthy.
Manager Trey Hillman says he's "very optimistic."
