The question: Which low-budget team will have more staying power this season, the Royals or the Pirates?

Peter Gammons

Pirates Because of experience. If Brian Giles comes back quickly, they have three established leading players -- Giles, Aramis Ramirez and Jason Kendall -- as well as an established No. 1 starter in Kris Benson and an All-Star closer, Mike Williams.

Jayson Stark

Pirates I think the Pirates have a legitimate shot to win 85 games or so. Much as I like the Royals' young pitching, it's impossible to predict with any faith that a staff this young will keep doing what it's done so far. At least the Pirates' pitchers all have a track record, from Kris Benson through Jeff Suppan in the rotation, from Mike Williams through Dennys Reyes in the bullpen. They need to get Brian Giles back, but I'd feel more secure in predicting a winning season by this team than by Kansas City right now.

Tom Candiotti

Royals In 1986, I was with the Indians, and nobody thought we'd win more than 10 games that year (give or take). But early that season, we won 10 straight games. We all were motivated to prove the experts wrong, as I'm sure the Royals and Pirates are today. Based on their respective divisions, I believe the Royals have a better chance to stay in the AL Central race. The Twins have been playing .500 ball so far, and while the White Sox have two good starters and some solid hitters, their defense and pitching isn't as good as the Twins.

Tony Gwynn

Pirates The Royals are off to a great start and have a slew of good young pitching, but come July the Pirates' experience will push them over the top. Bringing in Reggie Sanders and Kenny Lofton was a great move that will help as the pennant races continue into the summer. The Royals have great young arms and a solid core, but because of their youth it won't be enough. I'm pulling for both teams because their success is good for baseball.

Joe Morgan

Pirates Before the season began, I believed the Pirates would be a pretty good team this year. I thought the Royals were still a work in-progress. So I'll stick with my my initial evaluation -- that is, I believe the Pirates have a better chance to sustain their early success. The Pirates have proven pitchers, with Kris Benson and Co., and they have new players (like Reggie Sanders) who give them better overall depth.