Here are tweets from some of the Royals players after the shooting in Newtown, Conn.:

Designated hitter Billy Butler: “Tempted to go pick up my little one from school and just hug her tight...My prayers are with the kids and parents in #Newtown”

Pitcher Ryan Verdugo: “No matter how bad you think your life is cherish every second of what you have and be thankful for everyone in it #PrayersForNewtown”

Pitcher Danny Duffy: “Pray for Newtown. What is the world coming to man”

Pitcher Bruce Chen: “Prayers for all the victims and families in Connecticut today. What a horrible tragedy.” Pitcher Everett Teaford: “Praying for everyone in Newtown Conn. I can't even pretend to imagine what they are going through, nor would I want to!”

Mike Swanson, VP of Communications and Broadcasting: “Went home early and saw news about Newton, CT. What a tragically sad day in our country. Prayers to all and please hug your children.”

| Pete Grathoff, pgrathoff@kcstar.com