KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - The season began with the Kansas City Royals toting along the slogan, "Our Time," a reference to the young and enthusiastic players who have slowly come up through their farm system.

There were expectations of the first winning season in eight years and, if everything fell right, the first playoff appearance since 1985, the longest drought in the major leagues. The AL Central appeared up for grabs, and the Royals were ready to seize their opportunity.

Then reality hit: Injuries piled up before the season began, a 12-game losing streak forced them to dig out of a hole, and things never got on track for some of those key young players.

The result was a 72-90 season and fresh promises to rebuild.