[RoyalsBlue]

(AP - Kansas City, MO) The Kansas City season opening roster was supposed to be revealed earlier today, but before that was made official the Kansas City Royals instead announced a trade between them and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Kansas City will be getting 25 year old left-handed reliever Jeff Locke while sending veteran southpaw Bruce Chen to the Pirates.

"We got both younger and more cost-effective in this move," said assistant general manager Rob Hill when asked about the impetus for the trade. "We feel Jeff has a chance to really solidify an already good bullpen and he gives us a little more flexibility in our roster makeup."

When asked about trading the crowd favorite Bruce Chen, Hill was understandably more than a little emotional about sending the jokester to the National League club.

"Bruce pitched well for us the past few years and I for one will miss him around the team. His energy and infectious enthusiasm has served him well throughout his career and I'm sure the Pirates will appreciate that and his veteran presence on the mound in Pittsburgh."

Neither player involved in the trade was immediately available for comment.

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Royals Official Opening Day Roster
Starting Pitchers
1 - James Shields - James was acquired in the much ballyhooed deal involving former Royals uber prospect Wil Myers.
2 - Ervin Santana - Another off season acquisition, Ervin was picked up for a song as part of an October trade with Anaheim involving relief pitcher Brandon Sisk.
3 - Jeremy Guthrie - Veteran righty who depends on control and location to be effective. He was a substantial upgrade after being acquired for the severely disappointing Jonathan Sanchez last season.
4 - Luis Mendoza - a journeyman pitcher that seemed to blossom in a regular role last season with the Royals.
5 - Wade Davis - another part of the Myers trade, KC thinks Davis could wind up being a bigger part of the deal than even Shields if he progresses as they envision

Bullpen
Closer - Greg Holland - an underappreciated asset for the Royals, but only by the rest of baseball. The KC front office is well aware of what this hard throwing righty can do.
Setup - Kelvin Herrera - A youthful flamethrower that touches 100+ at times, the only concern is his control and ability to develop his confidence in his secondary pitches
Setup - Tim Collins - The diminutive reliever is another hard thrower, but his best pitch is a 12 to 6 curveball that just drops off the table
Middle Relief - Aaron Crow - former first round pick from Mizzou that has settled nicely into his role in the pen
Middle Relief - Louis Coleman - this Mississippi native is more of a control pitcher, but should be adequate in a middle relief role
Long Relief - Luke Hochevar - the former number one overall pick is on his last legs in the organization as he's been slated for a long relief role.
Long Relief - Jeff Locke -younger, harder throwing, cheaper version of the traded Bruce Chen

Catchers
Salvador Perez - one of the up and coming young catchers in the game, already considered an above average game caller and defender, combined with his offense he has already whetted the appetite of Royals fans everywhere. Salvy will be the starter.
George Kottaras - a career backup but nearly every team he's seen time with in the majors has gotten to the postseason, so here's hoping that trend continues in KC

Infield
Eric Hosmer - 1B - One of the most hyped young players in recent KC history and his first season looked like the real deal. Last season was a disappointment and the front office is looking for a rebound from the young first sacker
Mike Moustakas - 3B -Moose looked like the real deal in the first half of the season last year, but a disappointing second half has fans nervous. Again, the team is looking for more consistency from this young cornerstone of the Royals
Alcides Escobar - SS - He can dazzle with the glove at times and last year he looked like a legitimate offensive contributor. Can he continue to build on last season?
Chris Getz - 2B - Ask most talk show radio callers and Getz shouldn't even be on the team, but until someone else is ready or acquired, the light-hitting, nearly average defender is going to get the bulk of the starts at second.
Billy Butler - 1B/DH - Last year's lone All-Star for the Royals, Billy does one thing and one thing well - hit. Quite possibly the best pure hitter on the team and in the organization
Elliot Johnson - utility - picked up in the Shields/Myers trade and projects to be a good spare piece to rest Alcides and Chris occassionally
Miguel Tejada - utility - a surprise to make the team as Miggy, the former AL MVP, is back in the bigs after being out of the majors all last season.

Outfielders
Alex Gordon - LF - the two time Gold Glove winner is the unquestioned best overall athlete on the club and he will be the leadoff man for the Royals
Lorenzo Cain - CF - if he can stay healthy, his glove and steady, if unspectacular, bat will be very welcome in the lineup
Jeff Francouer - RF - Frenchy, while a fan favorite overall, needs to be more consistent and improve his defense if he intends to hang onto the starting right field spot
Jarrod Dyson - utility - Mr. Zoombiya is full of three things: speed, speed and speed. Last season he scored from third on a popup to the shortstop in shallow left field. Yes, he's fast!

Preseason predictions have the Royals finishing third in the American League Central, behind both the Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox.