KANSAS CITY -- Outfielder Emil Brown won his salary arbitration case with the Royals and will make $1.775 million this year.

The Royals received word on the decision early Wednesday morning. They had offered Brown $1.4 million.

"We feel good about the way it was presented," assistant general manager Muzzy Jackson said, "but, obviously, the arbitrator saw it the other way."

Either figure represented a huge raise for Brown, who earned $355,000 last season.

"The money was fine, but the big thing is I actually won something," Brown said. "My history as [far as] service time and performance [as a Minor Leaguer] won't be an issue anymore. I worked hard and had a chance to do everything."

Brown, who came to last Spring Training as a non-roster player, surprised the Royals by winning the right-field job. Then, at age 30, he had a breakout season.

In 150 games, Brown led the Royals with 75 runs and 86 RBIs and was second in hits (156), home runs (17), doubles (31) and slugging percentage (.455). His batting average was .286.

This year Brown is expected to move to left field, clearing right field for Reggie Sanders.

The case went to a hearing Tuesday in St. Petersburg, Fla. It is the Royals' only scheduled hearing this year.