What do the Royals really think about Friends in Low Places?

Things are looking up for a Royals team that added James Shields and Jeremy Guthrie this offseason, but Garth Brooks' "Friends in Low Places" will remain a Kauffman Stadium anthem played during the sixth inning every home game.

Almost 10 years after the tradition started, what do today's Royals think of the two-time Grammy winner's No. 1 hit?

"That song is a classic, can't change it up at all," said Billy Butler. And given that Butler hails from Jacksonville, Fla., we're pretty sure we can trust his taste in country.

"I don't mind hearing it played at our home games," said starting pitcher Luke Hochevar, who heard his fair share of country music while pitching at the University of Tennessee "I know Garth is a big Royals fan, so we have to show some love for him too."

Brooks is actually much more than just a fan. He trained with the team during Spring Training in 2004 to promote his Touch 'Em All foundation and played nine sold-out charity concerts in Kansas City in 2011. Brooks previously suited up for the Padres and Mets during Spring Training.

Not every Royals player is an avid fan, though.

"Country's not usually my thing, but I guess if it's something that's happening at every game I don't have a lot of choice," said pitcher James Shields, who was traded to Kansas City in December. "But I mean, come on, who can't get down with some Garth Brooks every now and then?"

But as for whom Brooks himself would like to hear at Kauffman Stadium?

"If you want to get hyped up to anything, Freddie Mercury is your guy. Just take your pick from Queen," Brooks said in an interview with ESPN in 2004.

This post is part of a Cactus League partnership between MLB.com and Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Pearce Bley / Contributor to MLB.com