Behind K.C.'s success

Give Manager Dick Howser of the Kansas City Royals a ton of credit for the way he has juggled his personnel to overcome all the injuries on his ball club this year. The Royals' position in the A.L. West is remarkable when you consider that Howser had his nine regulars available for only 31 of his team's first 123 games. During that same stretch K.C.'s four best pitchers also missed 34 starts because of injuries. The secret to the Royals' success (other than Howser's smarts) has been their deep bench, the work of relief pitcher Dan Quisenberry (32 saves); and McRae's uncanny ability as the team's designated hitter. Anyway, the Royals are back on their Security Blanket (artificial turf) , which their hitters use to great advantage, for 20 of their last 32 games.