Billy Butler Starts 2007 with the Omaha Royals

Idaho Falls - With Opening Day just around the corner for the Kansas City Royals, the Omaha Royals ("AAA" Affilate of the Kansas City Royals) received word from the "big club" today of their opening day roster. Potentially slotted as the "Opening Day" left field starter for Omaha is Billy Butler, who played with the Idaho Falls Chukars in 2004. Butler, according to Baseball America, is rated as the Royals' 3rd best prospect. Thus far in Spring Training with Kansas City, Butler has lived up to the hype batting .419 with 13 hits, 2 homers and 10 RBI's in 31 at bats.

As a Chukar, Butler hit .373 with 10 homers and 68 RBI's in 74 games played. He was named the Kansas City Royals "Minor League Player of the Year" as well as earning a spot on the Pioneer League All-Star Roster at third base. The following year, Butler continued his success being named the California League "Rookie of the Year" as a member of the High Desert Mavericks ("A" Affiliate of the Royals). In High Desert, Butler hit .348 with 25 homers and had a slugging percentage of .636!

Another impressive year followed in 2006 as Butler posted a .331 average with 158 hits and 96 RBI's for the Wichita Wranglers ("AA" affiliate of the Royals). He won the Texas League Batting Title, and was selected to the mid-season and postseason Texas League All-Star Teams.

Sources: Kevin McNabb-Omaha Royals Baseball; Kansas City Royals Baseball Club