A Royal Pain

The Yankees have a quick three game homestand this weekend, against the equally slumping Kansas City Royals. The Royals won their last four games in July, but have dropped 8 of 12 to start August. They sit 54-67, 14.5 games back of Chicago in the AL Central cellar. It's become a far too familiar place for a team that at one time was one of the best franchises in major league baseball. But that was a long time ago.

The team that once produced George Brett, Hal McRae, Bret Saberhagen, and Willie Wilson, now mixes a squad of young promising players with useful veterans like Mark Grudzielanek. Fans are accustomed to seeing their best players, like Johnny Damon and Jermaine Dye, be traded or leave as free agents. The small market tag has become a drain on KC baseball.

While the game and salary structure has changed over the years, Kansas City ownership has not wanted to budge to increase their payroll. Though they get a kickback when teams like the Yankees contribute heavily to the luxury tax, the Royals have been reticent to put the money back into the team.

The team has only finished above .500 three times in the last 18 seasons and has finished above third place only once in that time. The Royals haven't reached the post-season since they won it all back in 1985.

There have been recent attempts to raid the free agent pool, such as the signing of pitcher Gil Meche to a 5-year, $55 million contract, and payroll increased from $47 million to $67 million from 2006 to 2007. But generally, the Royals have been non-competitive due to their lack of resources and their lack of desire to spend.

Fans come out to see teams like the Yankees and Red Sox, but attendance is always second to last, with only Tampa Rays fans filling less seats. The fans that are there have to wonder how much longer they will be able to watch up and coming stars like Joakim Soria, Billy Butler, and Alex Gordon, before they come back as visiting players.

Ownership is spending $250 million to renovate the 35-yr old Kauffman Stadium for next season. Whether the team can put top players on the field and fans in the stands remains to be seen.