By DOUG TUCKER

Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Their starting shortstop's batting average plummeted 100 points and their two hitting stars of the future are falling short -- way short, some say -- of lofty expectations.

But the Kansas City Royals believe those very troubles, including a 12-game losing streak in late May, can contribute to an improved and more stable second half of the season.

"We've really started to play well together, now that we've been through both a cold streak and a hot streak together," said right-handed starter Brian Bannister. "We're really starting to rally around each other. When one guy is struggling, the other guys pick him up."

As the Royals headed for Chicago and Friday night's opening of the second half of Trey Hillman's first season as manager, their 43-53 record was third-worst in the American League.

But it's so much better than it could have been after that 12-game losing streak. Immediately afterward, Hillman's troops went on an 11-1 tear, before dipping again.

Everyone seems to think valuable lessons were learned by surviving the adversity.

"All winning teams have a good clubhouse," said second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, who reached the 2,000-hit plateau just before the All-Star break. "We've had our problems in many ways this year and I think we're growing from it. I think it's going to show on the field."

The overall youth of the team is probably the best explanation of how the Royals could be so inconsistent, reeling between quite good and absolutely wretched.

"That's usually the sign of a young team. We need to come together more as a group in the clubhouse and it will show on the field," said Grudzielanek. "It's getting better."

Moving up to the front of the rotation for the second half is Zack Greinke, who's been the Royals' most consistent starter and ought to have better than a 7-5 record to go with his 3.48 ERA. Behind him will be Gil Meche, Bannister, Luke Hochevar and Kyle Davies.

"I think throughout the course of the season he's been the starter who was the most consistent for us," said Hillman.

Also new will be the starting shortstop. Tony Pena Jr., barely hitting .150, was finally shelved near the end of the 12-game losing streak.

In Pena's place is Mike Aviles, who was called up from Triple-A after many in the organization had decided he might be a career minor leaguer. But Aviles has been the most pleasant surprise of the first half, hitting .310 with four home runs and an enthusiasm that contributes to what Hillman agrees is a much improved clubhouse environment.

The biggest disappointment would have to be a tie between Pena and Billy Butler.

Projected as a power hitter for years to come, Butler was having such difficulty he was sent down to Triple-A for a while. He's not done much better since returning, with a .249 average and 19 RBIs. Most disappointing has been his 15 extra-base hits, which includes only two home runs.

Butler's most encouraging number is 22 -- his age.

"That's something that's going to come with more at-bats and more maturity as a hitter and adjustments to the league as the league adjusts to him," said Hillman. "He has the ability to square balls up on a regular basis when he's right.

"Everybody has to be realistic about how many at-bats he's accumulated. Sometimes it takes a little bit longer."

The same could be said for third baseman Alex Gordon, who is hitting only .253 with 11 home runs and 45 RBIs.

A first-half MVP award could be divided between Jose Guillen, the volatile outfielder who is hitting .270 with 13 home runs and 65 RBIs, and outfielder David DeJesus.

From his leadoff position, DeJesus is hitting .306 with 10 home runs and 51 RBIs and has been leading the league most of the season in hitting with runners in scoring position.

"DeJesus right now is so relaxed at the plate, you just know he's going to come through," said Bannister.

Another addition to the Royals for the second half is Dr. Andy Jacobs, a sports psychologist who held the same position with the team in 1989.

Jacobs has a sports psychology radio show in Kansas City and has worked for several area organizations, including the University of Kansas and Missouri-Kansas City. Hillman said he would make a few road trips with the team.