The Royals seem headed towards the worst season in franchise history, but the yardstick by which to measure their ineptitude was set by the 2005 Royals. The Royals had stressed youth before, but had always seemed to take half-measures in a rebuild movmeent. In 2005, they announced they were committed to the future, but that meant a long season of losing.
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Say hello to: Emil Brown, Eli Marrero, Terrence Long, Matt Diaz, Joe McEwing, Jose Lima, Andy Sisco, Leo Nunez
Say goodbye to: Joe Randa, Dee Brown, Benito Santiago, Juan Gonzalez, Desi Relaford, Darrell May, Dennys Reyes
All-Star: Mike Sweeney
Team payroll: $36,881,000 (29th out of 30 teams)
Highest paid player: Mike Sweeney, $11 million
Rookies: Mark Teahen, Matt Diaz, Chip Ambres, Andy Sisco, Ambriorix Burgos, J.