Notes: Royals ready for Arizona slate
03/01/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Only 194 games to go. That includes 32 in the Cactus League and 162 in regular season. And it doesn't even allow for those playoffs that Royals manager Buddy Bell optimistically sees as a possibility.
The Arizona games will begin at 1:05 p.m. MT on Thursday against the fellow tenant Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium. The two clubs also will play Friday and Saturday afternoon.
Ready to go?
"I am," Bell said. "I can't say enough about the Minor League staff and the Major League staff. They've just been terrific, they've made it so easy for the players. We had had situational stuff today and it was upbeat with a lot of energy. That shows we were able to get a lot done."
Bell will use what might be his Opening Day lineup, led by center fielder David DeJesus, second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, designated hitter Mike Sweeney and right fielder Reggie Sanders.
They'll be followed by first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz, left fielder Emil Brown, third baseman Mark Teahen, shortstop Angel Berroa and catcher John Buck.
Two of the pitchers will be Mark Redman and Jeremy Affeldt, both left-handers bidding for rotation spots. Each is scheduled for two innings.
The Rangers' pitchers will include Josh Rupe, Rick Bauer and Thomas Diamond.
Greinke report: General manager Allard Baird said he talked to departed pitcher Zack Greinke by phone on Wednesday.
"He's still tending to his business," Baird said.
Greinke left camp on Saturday because of "personal matters" and returned to his Orlando, Fla., home. The Royals have not specified the nature of those matters.
Hernandez humming: In a simulated game, right-hander Runelvys Hernandez gave up an RBI double to Donnie Murphy but otherwise got through a 20-pitch outing in good shape.
"He had a good changeup and showed a good sinker also," pitching coach Bob McClure said.
Bell saw another improvement in Hernandez.
"He's dropped a few pounds," Bell said.
Scott Elarton and Mike Wood each pitched two scoreless innings; Joe Mays and Luis Cota each had one.
Chris Clapinski singled and Esteban German doubled against Mays but he worked out of the jam.
Off to Classic: The Royals will lose five players from camp Thursday to the World Baseball Classic.
Second baseman Ruben Gotay has been added to the Puerto Rican team. Others are first basemen Justin Huber to Australia, pitcher Elmer Dessens to Mexico and first baseman Matt Stairs and outfielder Aaron Guiel to Canada. Minor League pitcher Barry Armitage already is with the South Africa team.
Japan visitor: Former Japan League infield star Kenny Nomura is with the Royals' coaching staff.
"He wanted to get an idea about American Spring Training and techniques," Baird said.
Source: http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Only 194 games to go. That includes 32 in the Cactus League and 162 in regular season. And it doesn't even allow for those playoffs that Royals manager Buddy Bell optimistically sees as a possibility.
The Arizona games will begin at 1:05 p.m. MT on Thursday against the fellow tenant Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium. The two clubs also will play Friday and Saturday afternoon.
Ready to go?
"I am," Bell said. "I can't say enough about the Minor League staff and the Major League staff. They've just been terrific, they've made it so easy for the players. We had had situational stuff today and it was upbeat with a lot of energy. That shows we were able to get a lot done."
Bell will use what might be his Opening Day lineup, led by center fielder David DeJesus, second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, designated hitter Mike Sweeney and right fielder Reggie Sanders.
They'll be followed by first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz, left fielder Emil Brown, third baseman Mark Teahen, shortstop Angel Berroa and catcher John Buck.
Two of the pitchers will be Mark Redman and Jeremy Affeldt, both left-handers bidding for rotation spots. Each is scheduled for two innings.
The Rangers' pitchers will include Josh Rupe, Rick Bauer and Thomas Diamond.
Greinke report: General manager Allard Baird said he talked to departed pitcher Zack Greinke by phone on Wednesday.
"He's still tending to his business," Baird said.
Greinke left camp on Saturday because of "personal matters" and returned to his Orlando, Fla., home. The Royals have not specified the nature of those matters.
Hernandez humming: In a simulated game, right-hander Runelvys Hernandez gave up an RBI double to Donnie Murphy but otherwise got through a 20-pitch outing in good shape.
"He had a good changeup and showed a good sinker also," pitching coach Bob McClure said.
Bell saw another improvement in Hernandez.
"He's dropped a few pounds," Bell said.
Scott Elarton and Mike Wood each pitched two scoreless innings; Joe Mays and Luis Cota each had one.
Chris Clapinski singled and Esteban German doubled against Mays but he worked out of the jam.
Off to Classic: The Royals will lose five players from camp Thursday to the World Baseball Classic.
Second baseman Ruben Gotay has been added to the Puerto Rican team. Others are first basemen Justin Huber to Australia, pitcher Elmer Dessens to Mexico and first baseman Matt Stairs and outfielder Aaron Guiel to Canada. Minor League pitcher Barry Armitage already is with the South Africa team.
Japan visitor: Former Japan League infield star Kenny Nomura is with the Royals' coaching staff.
"He wanted to get an idea about American Spring Training and techniques," Baird said.
Source: http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home