“It’s not even an issue,” Hochevar said after Monday’s 8-4 loss to Detroit at Kauffman Stadium. “I haven’t felt it since I got hit. There’s no swelling, no bruising.”

It’s a good thing the ankle is the least of his concerns right now. This is clearly a big year for Hochevar, and the last thing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2006 draft needs is a distraction. He’s trying to get off to a strong start and put a disappointing 2009 season behind him.

Click here to read the full article – By TEREZ A. PAYLOR of The Kansas City Star

Kansas City Royals T-Shirts
and other Royals Apparel

Kansas City Royals Majestic V-Neck Full Force Jersey

Majestic Athletic Kansas City Royals MLB Majestic Ticket History T-Shirt

Kansas City Royals MLB Big Time Play Garment Dye Tee

But injuries struck early and in crucial places — third baseman Alex Gordon, center fielder Coco Crisp and shortstop Mike Aviles were key regulars who went down early. The alternatives were thin, there was a scramble to improvise and other players didn’t fulfill expectations.

Even so, don’t look for any earth-shaking revisions. General manager Dayton Moore’s contract has been extended through 2014, and he won’t be in a panic mode.

There are some big decisions ahead. Crisp, despite being hampered by sore shoulders, made a good impression as the leadoff hitter and center fielder. But he underwent surgery on both shoulders and the club holds an $8 million option on his 2010 contract. If the medical reports are good, the best guess is that the Royals will decline the option and instead try to sign Crisp at a reduced price with a contract laden with incentives that could get him back to that $8 million range.

The Royals also have to decide on whether to bring back first baseman-designated hitter Mike Jacobs, whose power numbers didn’t measure up to the notices, and sort out the three-man catching staff of Miguel Olivo, John Buck and Brayan Pena


Click here to read the full article – By Dick Kaegel of MLB.com

Kansas City Royals Mens Apparel
and other Royals Apparel

Kansas City Royals Official 2007 On-Field Dedication T-Shirt

Alex Gordon Royals Home MLB Replica Jersey

Kansas City Royals Authentic Game Performance 59Fifty onfield cap