Moore wasn't in the Royals general manager's chair for long before observing that the club's biggest need was pitching. He didn't wait until the American League statistics showed his group was in last place.

He began before last year's trading deadline, bringing in left-handers Odalis Perez and Jorge De La Rosa as potential starters.

Then Moore got down to more business in the offseason, signing Gil Meche to start and Octavio Dotel to close. Then there was a trade with the Mets for up-and-coming starter Brian Bannister. Reliever John Bale was picked up from Japan, and all-around pitcher Joakim Soria was a Rule 5 Draft snag from the Padres.

Last year's top winner, Mark Redman, wandered off to free agency after the 2006 season and top weight-gainer Runelvys Hernandez was released.

But the club has remained excited about the emergence last season of ex-Reds right-hander Luke Hudson and former rookie flash Zack Greinke's return from therapy. And lest we forget, innings-eater Scott Elarton is due back from arm surgery around June 1, 2007.

The signing of Meche to a five-year, $55 million deal and Dotel to a one-year, $5 million shot signaled that owner David Glass was willing to spend in an effort to escape last place and the 100-loss cloud. The Royals were headed toward a franchise record payroll of $55 million or more in 2007.

Even as the holidays approached, Moore was on the hunt for even more pitching strength.

Meantime, there seemed to be a sense of contentment over the everyday lineup, which improved statistically and esthetically last year.

Third baseman Mark Teahen went from the doghouse (a month with Omaha) to the penthouse (Royals Player of the Year) and is expected to anchor the lineup. Whether he'll be back at third or in the outfield will depend on the placement of hot prospect Alex Gordon, also a third baseman.

Then there's designated hitter Mike Sweeney, who can blast if his back's OK, and the old 1-2 punch of center fielder David DeJesus and second baseman Mark Grudzielanek.

The rest of the order will depend on the possible disposition of outfielders Emil Brown and Reggie Sanders, both offseason trade material. Without either or both of them, the Royals have outfield depth with Joey Gathright, Shane Costa and others -- maybe Teahen.

	Season in Preview A lot can change by Opening Day, but as 2006 becomes 2007, this is who is projected to take the field for the Royals:
	CF	David DeJesus
	2B	Mark Grudzielanek
	3B	Mark Teahen
	DH	Mike Sweeney
	LF	Emil Brown
	1B	Ryan Shealy
	RF	Reggie Sanders
	SS	Angel Berroa
	C	John Buck
	SP	Gil Meche
	SP	Odalis Perez
	SP	Luke Hudson
	SP	Brian Bannister
	SP	Zack Greinke
	CL	Octavio Dotel
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Another Moore acquisition last year, first baseman Ryan Shealy, was a budding bomber in '06. Offseason pickup Jason LaRue from the Reds provides an alternate to younger catcher John Buck.

Shortstop Angel Berroa had an extensive offseason training program as he tries to blot out a poor 2006, and super sub Esteban German provides good bench strength.

This will be the first full season for Moore, who was brought in late last May to replace Allard Baird as general manager. Moore, in his first go-round as a GM, rebuilt the front office but kept manager Buddy Bell.

Bell appears to be ready for Spring Training after a health scare last September. He missed the season's final 10 games to have throat surgery and he's apparently cancer-free and quickly regaining his strength.

The Moore-Bell regime needs to give the franchise a boost after a decade of sagging. In the last 10 years, the Royals finished as high as third place just twice and have been fewer than 16 1/2 games behind just once -- in 2003 (seven games).

If, as they always say, it starts with pitching, then the Royals appear to be on the right track.

Grading on a curve: Meche or Perez potentially give the Royals a rotation leader, and Dotel is a strong closer -- two things they missed last season. The batting order appears to have settled into a productive unit. It would be unrealistic to assume this is a contender, especially in the strong Central, but the Royals are a team in an aggressive mode. Give them an "E" or, on a scale of one to 10, a 5 for effort.

Arrivals: RHPs Gil Meche, Octavio Dotel and David Riske; LHP John Bale (free agents); RHP Brian Bannister, C Jason LaRue, 1B/OF Ross Gload, (trades); RHP Joakim Soria (Rule 5); RHP Kenny Ray (waivers).

Departures: RHP Runelvys Hernandez (released); RHPs Brandon Duckworth, Scott Dohmann, C Paul Phillips (designated for assignment); RHP Ambiorix Burgos, 2B Donnie Murphy, LHP Andrew Sisco (trades); RHP Mike Wood (waivers); 1B Doug Mientkiewicz, C Paul Bako, LHP Mark Redman (free agents).

The road ahead: The Royals still are looking for another starter that could be slotted at the front of the rotation. Getting Dotel some experienced help at the back end of the bullpen is another priority.