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Royals' All-Time 9 a battle in the outfield

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By Dick Kaegel / MLB.com

09/15/09 7:12 PM ET

DETROIT -- The debate is still on for the Royals' All-Time 9, particularly in the outfield.

More than 4.1 million votes have been cast since the 9/9/09 debut of the "All-Time 9s," a platform for fans to debate the greatest single-season performances for all 30 Major League franchises. The voting marks the start of MLB.com's Lineup Card campaign, a gathering place for the posting and never-ending discussion of the greatest past and present lineups.

Here's a look at how some of the Royals' races are shaping up:

Fans have left the outfield up for grabs with Willie Wilson, Jermaine Dye, Carlos Beltran, Johnny Damon, Amos Otis and Danny Tartabull all alive. Just 1,300 votes separate them.

At first base, Mike Sweeney is doing a good job of staving off John Mayberry and Wally Joyner as fans mull over their best single seasons. Sweeney's 144 RBIs in 2000 have convinced a lot of voters and he has a lead of about 2,000 votes.

And, of course, at third base there's no touching the legendary George Brett as the fans' choice.

It's all about which Royals batter had the greatest season at each positions. It's hard to argue with the .390 that Brett, after a long run at .400, posted in 1980.

Dick Kaegel is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.