They opened at 79.5 in Vegas.

You got that right, this guy has been incredibly solid for this team for years now.

Can't help but love this guy. I hope he sticks with the Royals after his playing days (as a coach in the organization somehow).

I'll be working from home tomorrow afternoon ;)

Bob McClure's greatest legacy in KC.

I still am confident Chen is replaced in the rotation by June/July, but even if he isn't ... still a major upgrade from Davis and Mendoza.

I think his point is that overall, our pitching is actually stronger. And I agree with him. There's a point when "anti-homerism" starts to cloud our judgment the other direction. As long as Chen only starts half the year and either Duffy or Zimmer supplement at some point, I think we're going to enjoy the results of this year's pitching staff. Next year, bring on Manaea....

That did not last very long. Its now at 82 in Vegas, and 82.5 on Bovada

If the Royals make the playoffs even once, and for sure if they make it without Shields, that will probably counter decades of losing and we'll snap out of it to be the typical, delusionally-optimistic fan base.

That's more sensible. If it really rose to 82.5, I guess I would find that surprising. What are the division predictions? I'd imagine:

Detroit 88
Cleveland 84
KC 80
White Sux 78
Minny 75?

Team - Current - Opened
Det - 89.5 - 89.5
KC - 82.5 - 79.5
Cle - 80.5 - 80
Chi - 75.5 - 77
Min - 70.5 - 71.5

I'm surprised Cleveland is so low... I expect them to be pretty damned good this year... I'd put them closer to 84 I think. KC has obviously been part of the betting strategy this year.

I think Cleveland is going to underperform. They had a great year last year and exceeded expectations...I just don't see them repeating that this year.

Cleveland had an unbelievably great year and will be hard-pressed to repeat. Their record against cellar dwellers was ridiculous. Their 1 run victories was also high. But Francona DOES seem to make brownies out of horse$hit

That's exactly my point.

The Royals are PROBABLY not as effective in the No. 2 spot in the rotation as in 2013. But they should be the same, basically, at the top, and better at 4 and 5.

There's also the potential to be MUCH better at the No. 3 spot than a year ago.

Bullpen likely takes a small step back but is still an elite unit.

Tito is a good manager. Cleveland will be a contender for the division crown.

http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/ar...650&h=433&q=85

http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/im...630&h=420&q=75

http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/ar...650&h=433&q=85

Here are some pictures of the MLB's new replay center for reviewed plays.