Throw out last April and the first part of May. Toss away September. Look at the time in between and you'll see why the Royals are cranked up about 2008.

Between May 13 and Sept. 3, the Royals had a 51-49 record. For the Royals, a club mired in the doldrums for too long, an over-.500 stretch was a white light of hope.

The foundation for the future seemed to be taking shape during those 100 games. A string of 22 losing months was snapped in July.

The stage was being set for 2008.

Leading the parade into the New Year is manager Trey Hillman, leaving the Japan League after five seasons with the Nippon Ham Fighters. Also considered a possibility for the Yankees' job, Hillman was snared to succeed Buddy Bell, who resigned.

The Royals will enter the season with Gil Meche established as a durable staff leader and Brian Bannister and Zack Greinke as his two younger supporting pillars. In 34 starts Meche had a 3.67 ERA, Bannister won 12 games as a rookie and Greinke went from bullpen banishment to dependable starter. Top prospect Luke Hochevar arrived late in the season and showed enough to get a starting shot.

The bullpen, though in a state of evolvement, was a crack unit. Joakim Soria unexpectedly became a fine closer, Jimmy Gobble was a dependable lefty specialist, Joel Peralta was gritty in the middle and Brandon Duckworth was good early and late around an injury.

All are coming back.

Yasuhiko Yabuta, a newcomer from Japan, can fill a hole by replacing David Riske (gone to Milwaukee) as an effective set-up for Soria. Also signed was veteran Ron Mahay, who provides left-handed depth to the pen.

An offseason hunt for a right-handed power hitter to upgrade skimpy run production resulted in the signing of outfielder Jose Guillen, a free agent from the Mariners.

He is set to fit in an outfield with David DeJesus and Mark Teahen, two of the leading lights in a young, but emerging, lineup. Two rookies, third baseman Alex Gordon and designated hitter Billy Butler, served notice they were ready to become offensive forces. Butler took over for longtime captain Mike Sweeney, who became a free agent.

Catcher John Buck and shortstop Tony Pena also bring a youthful flair to a projected lineup that also includes veteran second baseman Mark Grudzielanek and first baseman Ross Gload. Buck is expected to get competition from strong-armed Miguel Olivo, signed after two years of being the Marlins' primary catcher.

	Season in Preview A lot can change by Opening Day, but as 2007 becomes 2008, this is who is projected to take the field for the Royals:
	CF	David DeJesus
	2B	Mark Grudzielanek
	RF	Mark Teahen
	LF	Jose Guillen
	DH	Billy Butler
	1B	Ross Gload
	3B	Alex Gordon
	C	John Buck
	SS	Tony Pena Jr.
	SP	Gil Meche
	SP	Brian Bannister
	SP	Zack Greinke
	SP	Jorge De La Rosa
	SP	Kyle Davies
	CL	Joakim Soria
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For years the Royals have gone from one youth movement to another. Now they believe the right youth have moved in at the right time.

Grading on a Curve:General manager Dayton Moore went into the Hot Stove season with an aggressive approach. He went after outfielder Torii Hunter but, after losing him to the Angels, collared Jose Guillen as his much-sought right-handed slugger. Miguel Olivo, also a righty with sock, was added to the catching picture. To offset losing David Riske, he signed Japanese right-hander Yasuhiko Yabuta as a set-up man and lefty Ron Mahay was also added to the bullpen. A bid for Japanese starter Hiriko Kuroda fell short but Moore tried hard. Alberto Callaspo, possibly the second baseman of the future, was acquired from the Diamondbacks. Moore wasn't finished but, on a scale of one to 10, give the Royals a 7 for impressive and productive effort.

Arrivals:MGR Hillman, OF Guillen, RHP Yabuta, LHP Mahay, C Olivo, IF Callaspo.

Departures:DH Sweeney(free agent), OF Emil Brown (non-tendered), RHP Riske (Brewers), C Jason LaRue (Cardinals), RHP Billy Buckner (Diamondbacks), LHP Odalis Perez (free agent), OF Reggie Sanders (free agent), 1B Craig Brazell (Japan), C Paul Phillips (released), RHP John Thomson (free agent).

The Road Ahead:The search goes on for an established starting pitcher but, despite that need, the Royals aren't likely to part with any of their budding young stars in a trade. Although after landing Guillen they took a shot at Andruw Jones, the Royals appeared rather content with their lineup.