2 familiar faces on Royals' roster

Looking for a team to root for in the baseball playoffs?

I'm going with the Kansas City Royals. Actually, I liked both the Royals and the Baltimore Orioles, who faced off in the ALCS.

Having grown up in southern Chester County, the Orioles were always my second favorite team, after the Phillies, of course. I saw several games as a kid in the old Memorial Stadium in Baltimore.

Both these teams are from so-called "small markets." And both teams play very good fundamental baseball.

But there is an added attraction to the Royals.They feature several familiar faces.

Our old pals Raul Ibanez and Erik Kratz are both on the Royals' roster.

Ibanez was not active for the Royals playoff roster, but it's clear his class act is setting an example for the young Royals. Same goes for Kratz.

It's been a long time since the Royals appeared in the World Series. 1985 to be exact. That's almost back to those glory days of George Brett. You remember him. Pretty good hitter. Got flipped by Dickie Noles in the 1980 World Series, which broke a long championship drought here in Philly. K.C. fans had their fill of pent-up emotions and they exploded in exhiliration after the Royals completed a sweep of the O's at home yesterday. Here's what it looked like. Phillies fans can relate. Here's hoping K.C. gets 'crowned' in the World Series. Go Royals.

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