If the Royals, World Series champions just two years ago, are going to make a move in the AL Central this is their opportunity. The Royals trail the first-place Twins by 4 1/2 games.

I know it's only May. But the Royals have a number of key players who are prospective free agents. If the Royals don't get their season turned around there will be a fire sale in Kansas City.

So this is an important series for Kansas City. The Royals have been less than stellar on the road. However, Minnesota is 9-12 at home.

The Royals catch the Twins having played a doubleheader on Thursday and have a hot pitcher, Nate Karns, going. The Twins are pitching Hector Santiago, a bottom of the rotation guy who had a 5.58 ERA last season and is off his worst game of the year.

I've always been intrigued by Karns because of his high strikeout rate. He is pitching great right now going 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA in his last three starts that include 29 strikeouts in 17 1/3 innings during this stretch. Minnesota isn't hitting either. The Twins are averaging 2.3 runs during their last six games.

Santiago was lit up by the Indians this past Sunday giving up six runs on seven hits - including three homers - in just 2 2/3 innings.