Notes: Royals set tone in full workout
02/24/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Blue skies, a new cast of characters, good health and happiness.
That was the scene as the Royals held their first full-squad workout of Spring Training on Friday.
"It was the best first day of 2006," captain Mike Sweeney said.
Oh, did we mention dry humor?
"No, but it was a good day, a good overall day," Sweeney said. "Guys got their feet wet. And we're seeing our pitchers get their arms healthy. They're going to be the key to our success this year."
This is Sweeney's 11th season of Major League camp with the Royals.
For left-hander Mark Redman it was his sixth spring club in the last six years. He liked the atmosphere.
"Very upbeat, real exciting," Redman said. "I think a lot of guys are happy with the organizational moves, the direction it's taken. Not only the good athletes they brought in, but the camaraderie is good, too. We all fit the same type -- all easy going, no big heads and that's real key."
Manager Buddy Bell presided over an uncharacteristically long one-hour team meeting, then trailed 59 campers onto the Surprise Recreation Campus Field.
"Our goal is to be a playoff team," Bell said. "Everyone has to have a goal and that's what it is. In Spring Training, you're all pretty much in the same position. Some of it is reality, some of it is not."
When you're coming off a 106-loss season, the playoffs are big order.
"I think it can be a realistic goal," Bell insisted.
After the workout, Bell touched on some 2005 spots that were cause for optimism.
"Other than the 19-game losing streak, we actually played pretty well and after we got there, they kind of grew up a little bit," he said.
Bell sees more run scoring and a better defense to go along with a strong bullpen. So finding a rotation that can grind out innings -- and victories -- is essential.
"The bullpen is looking pretty good. That's why we need to get some pretty good innings out of the rotation and use the bullpen right," he said.
Extra games: The need to give the starters enough work has prompted the Royals to schedule three "B" games against the Texas Rangers.
The games will be March 6, 12 and 15 at 10 a.m. MT at the Surprise complex. Also scheduled are simulated games on March 9 and 10.
Harvey on hand: First baseman Ken Harvey, who recently underwent surgery on his left Achilles tendon, checked in and watched part of the workout.
"I just got out of the boot," he said. "It's good to just move around."
Harvey, who has a Minor League contract, won't be ready to play until June.
Quotable: "It's easy to see already the impact our new acquisitions are going to make. The way [Mark] Grudzielanek turns a double play is amazing." -- Sweeney, after Friday's first full-squad workout
Source: http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Blue skies, a new cast of characters, good health and happiness.
That was the scene as the Royals held their first full-squad workout of Spring Training on Friday.
"It was the best first day of 2006," captain Mike Sweeney said.
Oh, did we mention dry humor?
"No, but it was a good day, a good overall day," Sweeney said. "Guys got their feet wet. And we're seeing our pitchers get their arms healthy. They're going to be the key to our success this year."
This is Sweeney's 11th season of Major League camp with the Royals.
For left-hander Mark Redman it was his sixth spring club in the last six years. He liked the atmosphere.
"Very upbeat, real exciting," Redman said. "I think a lot of guys are happy with the organizational moves, the direction it's taken. Not only the good athletes they brought in, but the camaraderie is good, too. We all fit the same type -- all easy going, no big heads and that's real key."
Manager Buddy Bell presided over an uncharacteristically long one-hour team meeting, then trailed 59 campers onto the Surprise Recreation Campus Field.
"Our goal is to be a playoff team," Bell said. "Everyone has to have a goal and that's what it is. In Spring Training, you're all pretty much in the same position. Some of it is reality, some of it is not."
When you're coming off a 106-loss season, the playoffs are big order.
"I think it can be a realistic goal," Bell insisted.
After the workout, Bell touched on some 2005 spots that were cause for optimism.
"Other than the 19-game losing streak, we actually played pretty well and after we got there, they kind of grew up a little bit," he said.
Bell sees more run scoring and a better defense to go along with a strong bullpen. So finding a rotation that can grind out innings -- and victories -- is essential.
"The bullpen is looking pretty good. That's why we need to get some pretty good innings out of the rotation and use the bullpen right," he said.
Extra games: The need to give the starters enough work has prompted the Royals to schedule three "B" games against the Texas Rangers.
The games will be March 6, 12 and 15 at 10 a.m. MT at the Surprise complex. Also scheduled are simulated games on March 9 and 10.
Harvey on hand: First baseman Ken Harvey, who recently underwent surgery on his left Achilles tendon, checked in and watched part of the workout.
"I just got out of the boot," he said. "It's good to just move around."
Harvey, who has a Minor League contract, won't be ready to play until June.
Quotable: "It's easy to see already the impact our new acquisitions are going to make. The way [Mark] Grudzielanek turns a double play is amazing." -- Sweeney, after Friday's first full-squad workout
Source: http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/
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