Billy Butler hopes to be playing for the Kansas City Royals again next season. The Royals declined their option on Butler for next season Saturday, making the former All-Star designated hitter a free agent for the first time in his eight-year major league career. The Royals, who chose Butler in the first round of the 2004 draft, elected to pay the 28 year old a $1 million buyout rather than exercise their $12.5 million option. The decision was widely expected, and Butler said he hopes that he'll be able to agree with the Royals on a new contract. More...