Sanders says he's headed to KC

12/23/2005
Reggie Sanders is moving, although he isn't going very far.
The veteran outfielder said he has left the Cardinals for a two-year, $10 million contract with the suddenly free-agent laden Royals, according to The Kansas City Star.
"The Royals stepped up to the plate and did what they had to do," Sanders told the paper. "Other teams were close. But the Royals went a little further."
The 38-year-old Sanders, who has played for seven teams in his 15-year Major League career, said he turned down an offer from the Indians to head to Kansas City. Last season with the National League Central champion Cardinals, the right fielder hit .271 with 21 home runs and 54 RBIs despite missing almost two months with a broken leg.
Sanders knocked in 10 runs during a three-game sweep of the Padres in the NL Division Series, but then was hurt after an awkward fall in the NL Championship Series with the Astros.
"I couldn't lie on my back. I couldn't sit down," Sanders told The Star. "Now I have no problems with it."
Royals owner David Glass has increased his payroll this offseason, allowing GM Allard Baird to also add second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz, starting pitchers Scott Elarton and Mark Redman, reliever Elmer Dessens and catcher Paul Bako to last season's 56-106 ballclub.

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

Holiday Q&A with Shawn Camp

12/24/2005

MLB.com: We understand you have some special plans this Christmas.
Camp: My wife, Heidi, and I plan to go on Christmas Eve morning and visit with children in the oncology unit at Fairfax Hospital in Virginia.
If you can just give them a warm Christmas and give them something they deserve, we want to do that. We just want to brighten up their day a little bit.
MLB.com: Is this something you've done before?
Camp: No, it's something I've never done. My wife, Heidi, has always wanted to do it. I worked this year with Down Syndrome children in a camp that the Royals put on. This winter I'm not playing baseball or anything like that, so we just felt it'd be a good-spirited thing to do for the holidays.
MLB.com: So you have a special feeling for Down Syndrome children?
Camp: Yeah, I do. I don't want to say I feel sorry for them, I just have a special place in my heart for them.
They just need a little direction and help with things. I'm a very patient person when it comes to situations like that. It just makes me feel good to know that I'm giving something back to them. You can just see every year when they have a camp in Kansas City and how much effort they put into it and how much it means to them.
So, hopefully, we can get the same thing out of the children when we go to the hospital and visit with them on Christmas Eve.
MLB.com: And you'll spend Christmas with your family?
Camp: Yeah, we plan to spend Christmas Eve morning at the hospital and spend that evening with our family. We're going to be with my sister and her family and see her kids have Santa.
I've always had a very traditional Christmas -- everybody comes over, you open your presents, you have dinner. This year we want to make it special. My wife said something about going to the hospital, and it's the sort of family tradition that we can have for years to come.
MLB.com: Do you have any special memories about Christmas as a kid?
Camp: I don't know if I want to say this or not. One of the memories I have is when my mom caught me opening up the presents. I unwrapped one of the presents and I mistakenly wrapped it back up with the wrong paper, and so she caught me.
MLB.com: You're a newlywed and this will be your first Christmas together. Can we reveal on MLB.com what you're getting Heidi?
Camp: No, we can't do that. But I can tell you. Hopefully, it'll be a surprise. She's expecting something, but she's not going to be getting that.

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

Last-place Royals move on after '05

12/26/2005
After an unexpected dip following the stirring 2003 season, nothing could be worse than the 104 losses of 2004, could it? It could.
Last year's Royals lost 106 times, finishing in last place in Major League Baseball for the first time in the franchise's 37-year history.
Starting pitcher Denny Bautista was lost early to a season-ending injury, closer Jeremy Affeldt had groin problems and slugger Mike Sweeney battled injuries that limited him to 122 games.
Manager Tony Pena resigned in mid-May and, by the end of the month, Buddy Bell took over.
On the upside, a young bullpen headed by Mike MacDougal, Ambiorix Burgos and Andrew Sisco developed nicely. Right fielder Emil Brown emerged as a hitting leader.

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

Gaetti makes first appearance on ballot

12/29/2005
In a playing career that spanned 20 Major League seasons, Gary Gaetti was a rare talent who could help his team win with a home run or a great play in the field.
Though he never made more than $3 million in any season and averaged only $1.33 million per year, year in and year out, Gaetti remained one of the best all-around third basemen in the game.
By the time his sterling run finished in 2000, Gaetti had played for the Twins, Angels, Royals, Cardinals, Cubs and Red Sox, and had compiled 360 home runs, sixth most among Major League third basemen.
But he was also known for his glove. Gaetti found a spot in the record books on July 18, 1990, when he started two triple plays for the Twins in a game at Boston.
A two-time All-Star, Gaetti won four Gold Glove Awards and was named to the 1995 Sporting News Silver Slugger team. He is one of 38 players to record at least 2,200 hits and 360 home runs.
In the 1987 American League Championship Series, Gaetti hit .300 with two home runs and five RBIs, capturing MVP honors and helping the Twins on their road to winning the World Series.
Gaetti is on the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time in his career, and if his previous first-time appearances are any indication, his candidcacy bears watching.
The former first-round draft choice (11th overall in 1979) homered in his first Major League at bat. He also hit two home runs in the first game played at the Metrodome. Gaetti was the first player to hit two home runs in his first two at-bats of postseason play, a feat he accomplished in the 1987 ALCS against Detroit.
Today, Gaetti, 46, is the hitting coach for the Houston Astros.
Gaetti and his wife, Donna, make their home in Covington, La. They have three children, sons Joseph and Jacob and daughter Gigi. Joseph was drafted ty the Colorado Rockies in the 12th round of the 2003 draft.

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

Royals enter new phase in 2006

01/01/2006
KANSAS CITY -- The Royals are entering the second phase of what general manager Allard Baird sees as a three-part scenario to success.
This is the phase where the youth movement goes forward, forming a cohesive group that starts winning and heading toward contention in the American League Central.
The core of the kids centers on shortstop Angel Berroa, center fielder David DeJesus, catcher John Buck, third baseman Mark Teahen and several pitchers.
Veterans, notably designated hitter/first baseman Mike Sweeney, will provide the mortar while other bricks are filled with right fielder Reggie Sanders, second baseman Mark Grudzielanek and first basemen Matt Stairs and Doug Mientkiewicz.
The addition of Sanders will enable Emil Brown, the hitting surprise of 2005, to move from right field to left where his defense might be more adept.
Ideally, former catcher Justin Huber will progress enough defensively at first base to add his bat to the effort. Hopefully, an everyday second baseman will emerge from prospects Andres Blanco, Donnie Murphy and Ruben Gotay.
However, those youngsters are ticketed to continue their progress in the Minors.
Baird's effort to find a young corner outfielder or two didn't materialize during the Winter Meetings. There's a chance that either Alex Gordon or Billy Butler, who signed as hard-hitting third basemen, could wind up in the outfield, although probably not during the 2006 season.
Berroa, the 2003 AL Rookie of the Year, and DeJesus, the Royals' Player of the Year in 2004, have fulfilled expectations. Teahen and Buck, solid defensively, need to upgrade their hitting in 2006.
A young triumvirate of relief pitchers, closer Mike MacDougal and setup men Andrew Sisco and Ambiorix Burgos, came together last season to head the bullpen.
There also is an impressive array of emerging starters, including Runelvys Hernandez, Zack Greinke, J.P. Howell, Denny Bautista and perhaps Jeremy Affeldt and Kyle Snyder, for the rotation.
Recognizing the need for a veteran presence, Baird traded for left-hander Mark Redman from the Pittsburgh Pirates and signed two right-handers, Scott Elarton, a free agent from the Cleveland Indians, and Joe Mays, from the Minnesota Twins.
He also signed free agent right-hander Elmer Dessens to anchor the middle of the bullpen and, if necessary, to be a spot starter. Mike Wood also could fit those roles.
Left-hander Bobby Madritsch, a starter claimed on waivers from the Seattle Mariners, underwent arm surgery and won't be available until midseason.
Manager Buddy Bell, in his first full season as manager, is expected to run a demanding camp in an effort to eliminate the fundamental mistakes that plagued the Royals last summer.
His challenges will be to boost scoring without base-burning speed or overwhelming power and to build an innings-eating rotation so the bullpen doesn't get burned out.
Offseason report card: It was slow going, but the Royals finally signed Elarton, Grudzielanek, Mientkiewicz and backup catcher Paul Bako in one very busy day. Owner David Glass increased the payroll budget from last spring's $37 million to about $50 million, boosting Baird's spending clout. However, big bucks doled out by other teams hampered his efforts. Grade: five out of 10.
Arrivals:LHP Mark Redman and INF Esteban German (trades); RHP Scott Elarton and Joe Mays, RF Reggie Sanders, 2B Mark Grudzielanek, 1B Doug Mientkiewicz, C Paul Bako and RHP Elmer Dessens (free agents); LHP Bobby Madritsch (waivers).
Departures: RHPs D.J. Carrasco (signed in Japan), Shawn Camp and Chris Demaria (designated for assignment) and Jonah Bayliss (trade); 1B Ken Harvey and OF Matt Diaz (designated for assignment).
The road ahead: Baird's search for a young slugging outfielder -- Sanders is 38 -- will continue. Meantime, the sorting out of the top prospects will continue in the Minor Leagues.

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

Cedeno gets Royal opportunity

01/04/2006
Juan Cedeno was on Boston's radar, there was no doubt about that. He's young, has a power arm and has a huge upside, so great in fact that he was considered to be one of the Red Sox top prospects by many.
The problem Cedeno faced, however, was one over which he had no control. Boston had and still has so much pitching depth in its system that Cedeno, 22, had nowhere to go. The result was a July trade to Kansas City for Tony Graffanino, one that the native of the Dominican Republic saw coming, one with which he was more than pleased.
"I knew they had so many guys in Boston," Cedeno said. "And when they put me back in high A [Wilmington] to start the year, I knew they wanted to get someone out. And I knew they were going to trade me. Boston liked me, but they had so many guys.
"Jon Papelbon is my best friend in the United States, and Jon Lester is a good friend of mine, too. Papelbon is doing a great job, and we talk all the time. Lester has a great opportunity, too. The way I looked at it, if I didn't get an opportunity in Boston, there were 29 other teams with which I could have an opportunity."
Cedeno, who was 7-6 with a 4.64 ERA at Class A Sarasota in 2004, struggled a bit with Wilmington in the Carolina League. He went 2-6 in with a 5.49 ERA in 22 games (12 starts) before the trade and wasn't as effective as he would have liked to be after the Royals assigned him to Double-A Wichita. He was 0-2 with a 7.20 ERA in 11 games (one start) with shoulder inflammation hampering his performance near the end of the season.
The inflammation also cost him a chance at joining the Royals in late August. Kansas City was set to call him to the big leagues but on the day the move was made, Cedeno told the trainer in Wichita about his shoulder and the plans were scrapped. Cedeno made his final appearance of the season on Aug. 26 but both he and the club insist his shoulder is fine, an argument supported by the three scoreless innings he threw for Licey recently in the Dominican Winter League.
Cedeno, who has four quality pitches including a plus fastball, is optimistic with Spring Training a little more than a month away. His shoulder is fine and the Royals have told him that they want him to start, eliminating the uncertainty he experienced last season bouncing between the bullpen and the rotation.
"We want to give him that chance to start," Kansas City assistant general manager Muzzy Jackson said. "He has a plus fastball, a good change, slider and curve and we're working on some things mechanically with him. He has a good enough repertoire to be a starter so that's what we want to build him up as.
"He made strides last year. The big thing for him is his command. He has a tendency to push the ball a little and when he does, it flattens out. It's just a matter of getting a consistent arm angle and not pushing the ball. But he's a guy we liked and he definitely has a power arm."
Jackson said there are no guarantees where Cedeno will begin the season but if all goes according to Hoyle, he'll be back at Wichita. Starting and having an idea where he'll be has Cedeno excited.
"I don't care what level I'm at, I just want to go out and do my job," Cedeno said. "I want to start, and they told me that my ERA in the Minor Leagues doesn't matter as much. They don't care if it is high right now; they just want me to start. So I'm ready to go.
"I don't know a lot about Kansas City or the guys there. And I don't know how closely they've been following me here. But if they do, they have to see something because I'm pitching really well here."

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

Around the Horn: Starting pitchers

01/04/2006
KANSAS CITY -- One thing is for certain. The Royals aren't bringing Scott Elarton, Mark Redman and Joe Mays in for tryouts among the Arizona cactus.
In the first installment of a seven-week series titled "Around the Horn," MLB.com dissects what fans can expect from their teams' starting pitchers in 2006 and beyond.
And those three new acquisitions are fully expected to be in the reconfiguration of the Royals' rotation next season.
"Elarton is a lock in the rotation," general manager Allard Baird said. "He's an innings guy and that's what we're looking for from him. Makeup-wise, the way he goes about his business, he's a good tone-setter for a lot of our kids."
Signed as a free agent after an 11-9 record in 31 starts for the Cleveland Indians, Elarton has the kind of stuff that could put him at the head of the rotation.
Before arm problems shackled him, Elarton had a 17-7 record for the Houston Astros in 2000. Last year, at 29, he showed signs of regaining that stature.
Last season he struck out 103 and walked just 48 in his 181 2/3 innings. Although he gave up 32 home runs, working at more spacious Kauffman Stadium should help him.
"Obviously, he's a fly-ball pitcher and our ballpark is a little bit more conducive for him," Baird said.
Redman, a left-hander obtained in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates, is a different type of pitcher than Elarton.
"Redman will be in the rotation for us," Baird said. "Last year he did a very good job of creating ground-ball outs, and that's a nice fit for our infield."
Last season Redman, 32, was just 5-15 for the Pirates in 30 starts. But he won 25 games the previous two years for the Florida Marlins and the Oakland A's.
Mays, after a 6-10 record for the Minnesota Twins, did not get a he's-in-there endorsement from Baird. Mays, 30, missed all of the 2004 season because of elbow surgery.
"Joe Mays comes in with a chance to be one of those five," Baird said. "He's a ground-ball pitcher with a very good sinker. That's his strength, and he throws the ball over the plate -- which matches up with an infield very well."
The Royals' top holdover candidates are Zack Greinke and Runelvys Hernandez.
Greinke, a rookie darling in 2004, had some ugly turns during his first full season in which he was 5-17 and led the American League in losses.
"You have to break it up in parts," Baird said. "The first five starts he got the lowest run support in the American League -- I'm not sure but it might have been the Major Leagues -- and then toward the end he threw the ball better. But you have to keep in mind that all of a sudden his stuff has jumped up a full grade and just for him to have the kinesthetic feel and the touch while also making the adjustment to the league makes me very high on him and I will continue to be."
Hernandez missed nearly a month because of a 10-game suspension after a fight in Detroit and a battle with a back sprain. When he returned to make four starts in September, he was 0-3 with a 9.33 ERA.
All of which will make Surprise a reproving ground for him after coming back from elbow surgery and missing all of 2004.
"He's got to come in in shape and compete for a job," Baird said.
Hernandez's weight has been a problem for him.
He'll get competition from left-hander Jeremy Affeldt, who'll get a chance to start after spending all of last season in the bullpen. Affeldt was the closer until a strained left groin struck.
Affeldt has made 33 starts in his Royals career.
Another lefty, J.P. Howell, might benefit from another season in the Minor Leagues. Showing great movement on his pitches, Howell was 3-5 in 15 starts as a rookie.
Denny Bautista, also figured as part of the Royals' long-term future, was shut down by shoulder problems after seven starts last season. He'll get a starting shot but might wind up in the bullpen.
Mike Wood, who was shifted from the 'pen to the rotation, made 10 starts in the last two months. He'll get a chance to retain his starting role.
Also in the competitive mix will be Jimmy Gobble, a lefty who has not fulfilled his potential and spent most of 2005 in long relief. Bobby Madritsch, claimed on waivers from the Seattle Mariners, had surgery and won't be ready until midseason.
Gone from last year's rotation are D.J. Carrasco, who'll be pitching in Japan, and Jose Lima, who is a free agent.
But Baird is counting on his starters, notably Elarton and Redman, eating a lot of innings to put his talented young bullpen on a leaner diet.
"We want these guys to get to the back end of the bullpen," he said.

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

NLBM set to issue Legacy Awards

01/05/2006
KANSAS CITY -- In the beginning, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum was lucky to get one or maybe two award recipients to collect its hardware in person.
Now, with the sixth annual Legacy Awards banquet coming up on Saturday night, it's the thing to do for Major League honorees.
Dontrelle Willis of the Florida Marlins, Derrek Lee of the Chicago Cubs and Michael Young of the Texas Rangers are among the award winners scheduled to be at the Gem Theater in Kansas City. For ticket availability, call (816) 221-1920.
Others expected include Chone Figgins of the Los Angeles Angels, Bob Wickman of the Cleveland Indians, Chad Cordero of the Washington Nationals and general manager Ken Williams of the world champion Chicago White Sox.
Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals, who could not attend, visited the museum on Tuesday to receive the Oscar Charleston Award as National League Most Valuable Player.
Royals president Dan Glass and Hall of Famer Dave Winfield will receive the Buck O'Neil Award for support of the museum. Because Glass is in Australia on a goodwill trip, assistant general manager Muzzy Jackson will accept the award for him.
Former player and longtime Major League executive Bob Watson will receive the Jackie Robinson Award for lifetime achievement.
Also expected to join museum chairman O'Neil and lend their support are Brian Jordan, Ferguson Jenkins, Willie Horton, Willie Wilson, Dave Stewart, Joe Carter, David Segui and Rick Sutcliffe.
Why not? It's become the place to be.
2005 Legacy Award Categories and Recipients
Satchel Paige Award: Presented to the NL and AL "Pitchers of the Year" 2005 Recipients: Willis, Florida Marlins and Johan Santana, Minnesota Twins
Josh Gibson Award: Presented to the NL and AL "Home Run Leaders" 2005 Recipients: Andruw Jones, Atlanta Braves and Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees
James "Cool Papa" Bell Award: Presented to the NL and AL "Stolen Base Leaders" 2005 Recipients: Jose Reyes, New York Mets and Figgins, Anaheim Angels
Walter "Buck" Leonard Award: Presented to the NL and AL "Batting Champions" 2005 Recipients: Lee, Chicago Cubs and Young, Texas Rangers
Oscar Charleston Award: Presented to the NL and AL "Most Valuable Players" 2005 Recipients: Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals; Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees
Andrew "Rube" Foster Award: Presented to the NL and AL "Executives of the Year" 2005 Recipients: John Schuerholz, Atlanta Braves and Williams, Chicago White Sox
Charles Isham "C.I." Taylor Award: Presented to the NL and AL "Managers of the Year" 2005 Recipients: Bobby Cox, Atlanta Braves and Ozzie Guillen, Chicago White Sox
Larry Doby Award: Presented to the NL and AL "Rookies of the Year" 2005 Recipients: Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies and Robinson Cano, New York Yankees
Hilton Smith Award: Presented to the NL and AL "Relievers of the Year" 2005 Recipients: Chad Cordero, Washington Nationals and Wickman, Cleveland Indians
Jackie Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award: Presented to an individual for "Career Excellence in the Face of Adversity" 2005 Recipient: Bob Watson, vice president, on-field operations, Major League Baseball
John "Buck" O'Neil Award: Presented to a local or national corporate/private philanthropist for "Outstanding Support of the NLBM" 2005 Recipients: Dan Glass, president, Kansas City Royals and Winfield, vice president/senior advisor, San Diego Padres.

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

Notes: Snyder, Lowery done with KC?

01/06/2006
KANSAS CITY -- Pitchers Kyle Snyder and Devon Lowery were designated for assignment Friday by the Royals.
The moves cleared space on the 40-man roster for outfielder Reggie Sanders and pitcher Joe Mays, free agents signed before the holidays.
Snyder, 28, a first-round draft choice in 1999, came off shoulder surgery and was 1-3 in 13 games (three starts) for the Royals in 2005. He also was 2-3 with a 3.55 ERA for Triple-A Omaha.
General manager Allard Baird said if Snyder clears waivers, he'll be outrighted to Omaha and remain in the Royals organization.
"We're not going to release him," Baird said.
The same holds true for Lowery, 22, who spent the season in the Minors. He was 0-4 with a 24.84 ERA in four starts for Double-A Wichita and 6-3, 3.84 in 14 games for Class A High Desert.
A 14th-round draft choice in 2001, Lowrey is considered a good prospect who has an ERA of 3.69 in five years at the Class A and Rookie levels.
Gone Down Under: Baird, team president Dan Glass and special assistant Louie Medina are in Australia.
They are visiting with Justin Huber, who's from Melbourne, and checking out prospects. Huber, seen as the Royals' future first baseman, led the Texas League in hitting (.343) last season and was the Most Valuable Player in the Futures Game at Detroit.
"He's one of the reasons that we're going down there, because of his popularity and his network," Baird said before leaving Wednesday.
"And another reason is ownership's commitment, resource-wise, to be a player in that market. We want to make our presence known down there more than anything else."
They'll return next week, in time for Baird to turn his attention to the Royals' mini-camp Jan. 16-18 at Surprise, Ariz.
Farewell to B.A.: Left-hander Brian Anderson has signed a Minor League contract with the Texas Rangers. That means he'll be in camp on the other side of the Surprise complex this year.
Anderson made six starts for the Royals last season (1-2, 6.75 ERA) before being stopped May 8 at Baltimore by an elbow problem. He underwent reconstructive elbow surgery July 21.
Obtained late in the 2003 season, Anderson was 5-1 in seven starts for the Royals as they contended for the AL Central title. In 2004, he was 6-12.
A colorful gabber, Anderson did a blog last season for MLB.com.
Meantime, a report that another colorful talker, Jose Lima, had signed with the San Diego Padres proved to be erroneous. Univision, a Spanish-language TV network, reported this week that Lima had signed a $1.7 million contract with $300,000 in incentives.
That was denied by the Padres and Lima's agent, Joe Klein.
"We've been talking to them but nothing has happened yet," Klein said. "He deserves another shot. He had a great year with the Dodgers (in 2004) and he's durable. He doesn't get hurt."
Lima, now pitching for Aguilas in the Dominican Republic, has a 2-1 record and 2.25 ERA in four starts. He was 5-16 with a 6.99 ERA last season for the Royals.
Klein said he also was talking to the Minnesota Twins about Lima.

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

German staying hot this winter

01/06/2006
KANSAS CITY -- Esteban German had a brief stand as the Royals' starting second baseman. It lasted about 10 days this winter.
In the hubbub of the Winter Meetings, German was obtained from the Texas Rangers in a trade stemming from the Rule 5 Draft. The Royals used their No. 1 pick for pitcher Fabio Castro (Chicago White Sox) and dealt him to the Rangers for German.
The move put German in the lineup as Kansas City's second baseman -- until the Royals signed free agent Mark Grudzielanek. German went to the back burner, and now he'll have to compete for a backup infield role in Spring Training.
So far, playing for Azucareros in the Dominican Winter League, he's made a favorable impression.
After playing in 47 games, German was second in the league's batting race at .331 (60-for-181) with 19 RBIs.
He led the league in two categories -- on-base percentage at .442 (he drew 36 walks) and stolen bases with 30. He had twice as many steals as his closest pursuer, Aguilas' Bernie Castro.
"You can't get away from the numbers by Esteban German," general manager Allard Baird said. "He's been pretty dominating down there this year. But you have to be pretty careful about numbers in winter ball. That and September callups and Spring Training are three times of the year in which you don't put much stock, but I like what he's done there."
German batted .313 and stole 43 bases, leading the Pacific Coast League, last summer for Triple-A Oklahoma. He matched the RedHawks' club record with 153 hits although he played just 117 games.
He was the starting shortstop for the PCL in the Triple-A All-Star Game. In September, he played in five games for the Rangers and had hits in his first three at-bats.
German, 28, previously played in parts of three seasons with the Oakland A's. His Major League average is .252 (26-for-103).
His competitors for an infield reserve job will include Joe McEwing, Chris Clapinski, Wilson Valdez and Mike Coolbaugh, all non-roster invitees to spring camp.
The Royals want to get more Minor League time for such youngsters as Andres Blanco, hitting just .208 in the Venezuelan League, and Ruben Gotay, batting .266 in Puerto Rico.

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

Negro Leagues home hosts awards

01/07/2006
KANSAS CITY -- Bob Watson found the right words.
Watson, vice president of on-field operations for Major League Baseball, took center stage here Saturday at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and talked about how important it was for men like him to keep the legacy of black baseball alive.
"I started in the game in 1964, and that was just before the civil rights movement," he said. "So I know a lot of the things these guys went through before me."
During his career, Watson has had to fight to keep the doors of Major League Baseball open to men of color. He's been a pioneer in his own right, a trailblazer who has embodied the spirit of Jackie Robinson.
For his contributions to baseball, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum bestowed upon Watson, the first black general manager in baseball history, its highest honor: the Jackie Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award.
Watson was among a dozen Major Leaguers who came to Kansas City for the Sixth Annual Legacy Awards, an event in which the museum paid tribute to baseball's best. The event also honored the history of the game and the contribution of men like Watson.
"When we started the Legacy Awards in 2000, we didn't get a single Major League player to come out," said Bob Kendrick, director of marketing at the museum. "But we stuck to it."
The museum's unwillingness to quit has allowed the Legacy Awards to flourish. Its star-studded gala brought most of the recipients of its awards to Kansas City for the Oscar-like ceremony.
The event saluted players, club executives and people who have given their lives to the national pastime -- on and off the field. The awards were handed out for excellence, and they are colorblind, Kendrick said.
"It would be doing an injustice to the Negro League players not to honor the very best in the game," he said. "That's what we set out to do. So the guys who sit here before you are the crème de la crème."
Among the best in front of baseball fans, museum officials and media here Saturday were Derrek Lee and Michael Young. They won the Buck Leonard Award, a honor that goes to the top hitters in each league.
Two men who were not here, however, were Albert Pujols and Alex Rodriguez, winners of the Oscar Charleston Award that goes to the best player in each league.
Yet their contributions to the '05 season didn't go ignored. They, too, had their success trumpeted, just as Watson, Lee, Young and reliever Chad Cordero, as well as the rest of the award winners.
In that group was Dave Winfield, the Hall of Fame outfielder. Winfield, a vice president/senior advisor with the Padres, received the John "Buck" O'Neil Award, along with Royals president Dan Glass, for his outstanding support of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
"It's always humbling to come here," Winfield said. "I almost do not know where to start; I don't know what to say."
What he said became a tribute to the league, its legacy and its players.
"Do not let this legacy die," Winfield said. "Let's not forget about these people."
These people are the thousands of black and Latino ballplayers who helped shape black baseball. The museum itself is a tribute to them, too. Its award ceremony ensures that, at least once each year, baseball's spotlight shines on the Negro Leagues and its legion of star players, men who were the forerunners to Winfield, Lee and others.
That's something that Kendrick and museum officials like to see.
"To honor them for their accomplishments," he said, "we elevate the status of the Negro Leagues."
For Kendrick, the Legacy Awards have allowed the museum, its staff and its supporters to build a stronger bridge with Major League Baseball, which he saw as a good thing for both sides. They both have similar missions: to keep the spirit of the game fresh. The two sides can be allies in that purpose, which is what Kendrick is hopeful of.
"So it's good to build these kind of relationships," he said. "That's what the awards give us the opportunity to do."
The other honorees Saturday night were:
• Satchel Paige Award, presented to the top pitchers in the American and National Leagues: Dontrelle Willis, Marlins; and Johan Santana, Twins
• Josh Gibson Award, presented to the NL and AL home run leaders in '05: Andruw Jones, Atlanta Braves; and Rodriguez
• James "Cool Papa" Bell Award, presented to the NL and AL stolen base leaders in '05: Jose Reyes, Mets; and Chone Figgins, Angels
• Andrew "Rube" Foster Award, presented to the NL and AL executives of the year in '05: John Schuerholtz, Braves; and Ken Williams, White Sox
• Charles Isham "C. I." Taylor Award, presented to the NL and AL managers of the year in '05: Bobby Cox, Braves; and Ozzie Guillen, White Sox
• Larry Doby Award, presented to the NL and AL rookies of the year in '05: Ryan Howard, Phillies; and Robinson Cano, Yankees
• Hilton Smith Award, presented to the top relievers in each league: Cordero, Nationals; and Bob Wickman, Indians.

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Will Stairs step up at first?

01/09/2006
I noticed you had Matt Stairs in your projected lineup at first base. Isn't Doug Mientkiewicz a better defensive first baseman and a little more consistent hitter?-- Jeremy D., Pittsburg, Kan.
I've taken a lot of flak on this one. At the time I made that projection, the Royals had not yet signed Reggie Sanders, so some punch was needed in the lineup. Still, I wonder.
Management indicates that Mientkiewicz will "get a considerable amount of time." Since hitting .300 for the Twins in 2003, he's had two subpar seasons; he hit just .240 with 29 RBIs -- but with 11 home runs -- last year for the Mets. Stairs, in his two seasons as a part-time player for the Royals, has averaged .271 while hitting a total of 31 homers with 66 RBIs each year. He's always ready to step in at first, DH or the outfield. When next season ends, let's check the total games played at first base, and then you'll know how dumb I am.
Do the Royals have one of the tallest groups in baseball, especially in the pitching department? Maybe they're in the wrong sport.-- K., Ohio
The pitchers include 6-foot-10 Andrew Sisco, Scott Elarton and Kyle Snyder (recently taken off the roster), who are both 6-foot-8, along with Mark Redman and Denny Bautista, both of whom are 6-foot-5. Volleyball, anyone?
With Sanders coming in as the right fielder, who is the top candidate for left field?-- Ben D., Lee's Summit, Mo.
Emil Brown will shift from right field to left. He'll be expected to show that his sudden, unexpected success as a Major League hitter was no fluke. He'll have to field better, too, because Chip Ambres and Aaron Guiel also want that spot.
Where do you expect Sanders to hit, in front of or after Mike Sweeney?-- John E., Pasadena, Calif.
Manager Buddy Bell likes Sweeney in the No. 3 spot, so Sanders is likely to bat fourth. However, Sanders still has good speed and is an aggressive baserunner. If he's hot, Sanders might be a good fit hitting ahead of the plodding Sweeney.
Will Angel Berroa be around much longer? If so, how long?-- Robbie E., Wichita, Kan.
Berroa's contract runs through 2009 when the Royals hold a club option on renewing at $5.5 million. That would make him a seven-year-plus Royal. He could be traded before then, of course.
What happened to Ken Harvey? He was pretty explosive a few years ago.-- Jason A., Des Moines, Iowa
Harvey, after missing most of last season with a back strain, tore an Achilles tendon in the fall while working out in Arizona. He had surgery and will miss most of next season.
I'm very pleased with the offseason additions, and I'm enthusiastic about the direction of the team. But, after a 56-106 season, is 70 to 80 wins a realistic goal?-- Bruce T., Ventura, Calif.
Lest we forget, the 2003 club jumped to 83 victories from 62 the year before. If the veteran acquisitions are as gritty and talented as the Royals believe, a 20-win increase is not unthinkable.
How is David DeJesus recovering from his injury last year?-- Blake W., Isla Vista, Calif.
DeJesus missed the last month with a strained right shoulder, sustained Aug. 28 at Yankee Stadium. "He's healthy," said Royals general manager Allard Baird. "Everything is fine, and he's ready to go."
What do you think Ambiorix Burgos' role will be next season?-- Dennis B., Syracuse, N.Y.
He'll start as a setup man for Mike MacDougal. If MacDougal has trouble coping as closer, Burgos would be a logical choice to try in that role.

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

Around the Horn: Bullpen

01/11/2006
KANSAS CITY -- Credit the Royals for this: they got through the wheeling and dealing of winter without sacrificing their most sought-after commodity.
Their young bullpen remained intact.
Other teams wanted Mike MacDougal, Ambiorix Burgos, Andrew Sisco or Jeremy Affeldt, but so far they're still around.
The only reliever traded was Jonah Bayliss, sent to the Pittsburgh Pirates for starter Mark Redman.
Meantime, the Royals added veteran Elmer Dessens for the middle innings. Dessens had a 3.56 ERA in 28 games (seven starts) for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season.
"We've upgraded with Dessens to give us a six-to-nine-out guy," assistant general manager Muzzy Jackson said. "If he and [Mike] Wood and those type of guys can give you multiple innings and get to our strength -- Sisco, Burgos and MacDougal, we'll feel really good about that."
MacDougal, after sizzling as a rookie and making the 2003 All-Star team, re-emerged as the closer.
"I think last year was his best year. To me, he was more consistent, his stuff was better than even his rookie season when he was an All-Star," Jackson said.
"His command was better, his arm slot was consistent, he threw strikes early in the count and his stuff was obviously electric."
MacDougal had 21 saves in 25 chances, a team-high 68 appearances, five victories and a 3.33 ERA. He struck out 72 and walked 24 in 70 1/3 innings.
"When you throw that hard and can hit the strike zone, he's extremely hard to hit," Jackson said.
"He's backed off a little bit but he changes speeds well and he can get it up there in the high 90s when he needs to. Early in the count, he can add a little bit to his fastball and he does a quality job."
Sisco, a Rule 5 Draft selection, and Burgos, just 21, emerged as the left-right setup men for MacDougal.
"They were learning at the back end of the bullpen at the Major League level as rookies and that's a tough thing to ask kids to do," Jackson said.
"Coming into Spring Training, they know they can succeed in those roles and with MacDougal and [Jeremy] Affeldt there to help them as well, I feel extremely good about our bullpen."
The rest of the bullpen will depend on who might filter through the competition for the starting rotation. Affeldt, Wood, Joe Mays and Denny Bautista will be in the hunt as starters but might end up in relief.
Then there are holdovers Jimmy Gobble and Leo Nunez.
The Royals also picked up Joel Peralta, who had a 3.89 ERA for the Angels.
The key, of course, will be the ability of the starters to get the game to the bullpen in good shape.
"If we're in the game in the fifth or sixth inning, we feel pretty good about our chances to win that day," Jackson said.

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

Peralta providing relief in winter ball

01/13/2006
KANSAS CITY -- In all the talk about the Royals' potentially powerful bullpen, you don't hear much about Joel Peralta. Well, it's time to tune in.
Peralta, 29, is a right-hander claimed from the Angels and, based on what he did in the Dominican Winter League, he should be in the midst of the battle for the bullpen.
For Gigantes, Peralta was 3-0 and had a 2.35 ERA in 25 games.
"The biggest thing I look at is the innings pitched," said Shaun McGinn, Royals senior director of Minor League operations. "He had 23 innings pitched and gave up only 18 hits and struck out 19. With just five walks, it looked like he was locating the ball well."
Peralta reached the Major Leagues for the first time last season with the Angels and, in 28 games, had a 3.89 ERA and notched 30 strikeouts in 34 2/3 innings. In Triple-A, he was 4-1 and had a 2.70 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 20 innings for Salt Lake.
Right-hander Denny Bautista, whose shoulder flared up after seven starts last season for the Royals, was 2-4 with a 4.26 ERA for Estrellas in the Dominican.
"It looks to me like he's turned it around a little bit," McGinn said, "because he had some horrific numbers about a month ago but his strikeouts have come up and most of his walks, from what I understand, came early on. His command has gotten better which is to be expected when he has that much of a layoff after an injury."
Bautista, if he doesn't make the rotation in Spring Training, figures to be in the bullpen picture. After missing most of the season, he needed to get his feel back in the Dominican.
Hard-throwing left-hander Juan Cedeno, obtained last year in the Tony Graffanino deal with the Boston Red Sox, posted a 3.26 ERA for Licey in 16 Dominican games.
"He has the tendency to get a little wild at times but, with 19 innings and just 15 hits, 13 strikeouts -- that's pretty good," McGinn said.
Cedeno will go back to starting this summer at Double-A Wichita or Class A High Desert.
Right-hander Danny Tamayo, including the Dominican playoffs, had a 2.36 ERA for Licey.
"You have to remember that he was pitching for Licey, which is a very good club," McGinn said. "He wanted to go down there and pitch against some Major League guys and he showed up really well. His pitch has always been his changeup and what he really wanted to work on down there was spotting his fastball."
Tamayo was 9-8 with a 5.28 ERA as a starter last season for Triple-A Omaha.
Ambiorix Burgos, a cornerstone of the Royals bullpen, pitched just 2 2/3 innings for Azucareros in the Dominican. Leo Nunez, who was in 41 games for the Royals, has added pounds to his skinny frame and had seven scoreless innings in the playoffs for Aguilas.
Lower-level pitching prospects included Yovany Damico, 2-1, 4.76 ERA for Caracas in the Venezuelan League; Cesar Herrera, 1.69 ERA in just 5 1/3 innings for Azucareros; John Gragg, 2.86 ERA for Caguas in the Puerto Rican League, and Kyle Middleton, 1.91 ERA for Manati in Puerto Rico.
Middleton, 10-9 in 28 starts last summer for Wichita, was bogged down by flu about two weeks ago but not before adding 37 2/3 innings to the 171 1/3 he pitched in Double-A.
"He's a big kid, a workhorse who can give you a lot of innings," McGinn said. "He's very resilient and his arm bounces back really well. He's shown glimpses of being a pretty good pitcher."
Gragg was snapped up by Manati after going 13-5 with High Desert.
"He was a California League All-Star for us last year. He's about 5-foot-7 or 5-8, a left-hander who is just a great athlete and a great competitor," McGinn said. "He can change speed on all of his pitches and throws to spots. Nothing is overpowering -- he just pitches."
Second baseman Esteban German carried his hot hitting into the Dominican playoffs. After a .331 average in the regular season, he was at .321 in the round-robin tournament with nine RBIs in 14 games.
Prospect Angel Sanchez saw considerable time at shortstop for Manati when Jose Valentin moved to center field to cover for an injury.
"So he started playing every day and, since then, he's been doing very well," McGinn said.
Sanchez hit .256 with eight RBIs in 30 games. But, in the playoffs, he was 0-for-7.
Second baseman Ruben Gotay hit .269 in 40 games for Carolina in Puerto Rico. He picked up his running game with 12 stolen bases in 13 tries.
Shortstop Andres Blanco, in 36 games for Zulia in Venezuela, batted just .208. Third baseman Mike Coolbaugh also had a tough time in Venezuela, hitting just .162 for Aragua.
Infielder Wilson Valdez, who'll be in the battle for a backup spot for the Royals, had a .297 average (no homers, seven RBIs) in the Dominican for Gigantes. Last year for the Seattle Mariners, he batted .198.
Irving Falu, a rising middle infielder, batted .226 for Mayaguez in 23 Puerto Rican games. Miguel Vega, a free-swinging first baseman, hit .211 in just 19 at-bats for Carolina.

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Give Guiel a shot in left field

01/16/2006
Aaron Guiel is a great fielder, has power and a good batting eye. Why isn't he the clear leader for the left-field job? -- Jason H., Bremerton, Wash.
Emil Brown, who banged 17 home runs and knocked in 86 runs, is moving from right field to make room for Reggie Sanders. Based on his breakout season, Brown has to be considered the leader. However, Guiel's 30 homers and 95 RBIs for Triple-A Omaha should put him in the picture. Guiel also hit .345 in his last 25 games for the Royals after a late-season callup. Guiel has been a consistently good fielder while Brown was erratic with 12 errors. Chip Ambres, who has speed and a bat with some pop, also will get consideration although a backup job is seen as his niche for now.
Since the Royals lack a base-stealing threat, why not give Adrian Brown a chance? -- Troy C., Lemars, Iowa
This probably slipped past you but Adrian Brown, who had 33 stolen bases last year for Omaha, has signed as a Minor League free agent with the Rangers.
Are there any Royals prospects down on the farm who might develop into impact players next season? -- Chris D., Maybrook, N.Y.
Most of the youngsters surfaced last season with the Royals. Catcher Matt Tupman, who hit .263 at Double-A Wichita, could find his way to Kansas City. A left-handed batter, he's not a power hitter but his swing is conducive to going the other way. Right-handed pitcher Brian Bass, 12-8 in 27 starts for Wichita, did well in the Arizona Fall League. He walked no one and struck out 16 in 24 1/3 innings. There's a slim chance that shortstop Angel Sanchez, who hit .313 for Class A High Desert and is gaining strength and size, could show up at some point. Sanchez has always been good defensively, with a strong arm and soft hands with the ability to turn the double play well.
Why are the Royals so impressed with Andres Blanco at second base over Donnie Murphy and Ruben Gotay? -- Brandt R., Richmond, Mo.
It's primarily on the basis of his slick defense. Blanco has moved along very quickly at shortstop and second base. On offense, the Royals like his survival skills, i.e., the ability to play the short game. Blanco had a knee injury last season and finished with a .263 average in 54 games for Omaha and three other Minor League clubs, then hit .215 in 26 games for Kansas City. In 36 games in the Venezuelan League this winter, he batted just .208. However, the Royals consider him a better fielder than Murphy or Gotay. All three are expected to be in the Minors this year while Mark Grudzielanek plays second base.
Is it possible for Alex Gordon to move to second base like Jeff Kent or Edgardo Alfonzo? -- Joseph J., Kansas City, Mo.
Gordon, KC's top draft pick and a third baseman at the University of Nebraska, is scheduled to open the season at that position -- probably at Wichita. Despite considerable athletic ability, the club sees him right now as a corner player in the infield or outfield. He did well at first base in the Arizona Fall League and the word is he could play well in left field as well.
Whatever happened to Mike Tonis? -- Kyle S., Independence, Mo.
Once one of the Royals' top catching prospects, Tonis was sidetracked by injuries and poor hitting (.228 for Wichita in 2004). He was disappointing in a brief 2004 Major League stint when the club ran out of catchers in Philadelphia. Tonis tried pitching last year but had to undergo Tommy John surgery and is currently in injury rehabilitation.
Other than his replacement being a friend of Buddy Bell, what is the reasoning behind the dismissal of bench coach Bob Schaefer? -- Grant H., Kansas City, Mo.
There was nothing mysterious about it. Schaefer and Bell worked well together but Billy Doran was Bell's old pal, the first coach brought in by the new manager. Schaefer is happily employed as a special assistant to Braves general manager John Schuerholz so it's worked out well for both parties.

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

Notes: Bell finds footing at mini-camp

01/17/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- It was a sunny but crisp morning as the Royals took the field on Tuesday. Just lovely for baseball.
But wait. Did Spring Training somehow sneak up on us? Have we snoozed through January and half of February?
Not at all. Welcome to the Kansas City mini-camp, a three-day outing in the desert between the White Tank Mountains and the Red Robin Restaurant.
Thirty-two players -- and 30 staff members -- have gathered to set the stage for the 2006 season.
"This is not Spring Training by any means. We're not treating it like that," manager Buddy Bell said. "We're not ready to do the kinds of things that we do in Spring Training."
You'll see some spring-type things, like Hall of Famer George Brett lobbing batting-practice pitches to Justin Huber or second-base grounders being gobbled up by Mark Grudzielanek and Donnie Murphy.
But that's not the point. General manager Allard Baird sees this as a three-pronged exercise.
"One, to see where guys are, in relation to where they need to be," Baird said. "Two, to gather and distribute information. Three, to set a tone with a new manager and new coaches."
Bell is not exactly new because he took over last May 31, but this will be his first Spring Training with the Royals and he'll need to put his stamp on the club.
He knows his first priority when camp officially opens here on Feb. 17.
"The rotation, absolutely. Without any question," Bell said. "We have a lot of decisions, which is good. This is going to be eye-opening for a lot of candidates because it's as competitive a spring as I've ever seen, in terms of a rotation, because of the numbers we have for those spots."
Although Baird previously categorized newcomers Scott Elarton and Mark Redman as locks for the rotation, Bell gave himself a hedge.
"Let me put it this way -- nobody's a lock," Bell said. "I think it's safer for me to put it like that instead of individualizing. So it's really not a lock for anybody."
Five of the top candidates were at the mini-camp -- Jeremy Affeldt, Elarton, Zack Greinke, J.P. Howell and Mike Wood. Others include Redman, Runelvys Hernandez, Denny Bautista and Joe Mays.
In addition to filling some bullpen spots, there are a couple of other situations over which to muse:
What's the deal at first base? Is it Mike Sweeney, Matt Stairs or Doug Mientkiewicz?
"Stairs is going to be a DH, play at first, I might even put him in the outfield. Mike wants to play first. If we had to open up tomorrow, Mientkiewicz would be our first baseman and Mike would DH," Bell said.
"But that's not to say Mike wouldn't play first the next day and Stairs would DH. So we've got enough [Spring Training] games, and enough happens that things work out for themselves."
In other words, stay tuned.
What about left field? Is Emil Brown moving over from right to make room for Reggie Sanders?
"Well, I don't know," Bell said. "That's kind of what we want, but I'm not sure. But it depends on where Reggie feels most comfortable, which could be right."
So don't touch that dial.
A slimmer Sisco: Andrew Sisco, the 6-foot-10 reliever, has dropped his weight from last season's 275 pounds to 260.
"Buddy thought I looked a little too light," Sisco said. "I guess you're always worried about health and if you're too thin, you might break down. It's all relative. If you're 5-10, it's different."
Although a lot of fans keep wondering if Sisco shouldn't be tried as a starter, he's quite content as a setup man in the bullpen.
"I don't know if seven innings every five days is more valuable than one or two every other day," he said.
Buck mourns mother: Catcher John Buck reported after the unexpected death of his mother, Linda Louise Buck, 52, in Layton, Utah. They last talked by phone.
"She said she loved me ... and passed away in her sleep peacefully," Buck said.
"If there's anything that makes it easier, it's that my brother, Paul, passed away a few years ago and I know she's happy to be with him."
68 years of wisdom: Joining the mini-camp staff was Dave Garcia, who managed the Angels from 1977-78 and the Indians from 1979-82.
Garcia, 85, brings 68 years of professional baseball experience with him from his San Diego home.
"He's like a father to me," Bell said.
Garcia will help coach during Spring Training and take on various scouting and instructional assignments during the season.
"These kids were asking when I broke in. It was 1938," Garcia said. "They said, 'How much did you make?' I said, 'Eighty dollars a month.' They said, 'Oh, shoot.'"
Snyder stays: Pitchers Kyle Snyder and Devon Lowrey, who passed through waivers, have been assigned to the Minors. Snyder was outrighted to Triple-A Omaha, Lowrey to Double-A Wichita.

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

Royals ink Hernandez, Affeldt

01/17/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Pitchers Runelvys Hernandez and Jeremy Affeldt agreed to one-year contracts with the Royals on Tuesday, avoiding salary arbitration.
Hernandez signed for $1.225 million plus $50,000 in incentives based on innings pitched. Affeldt took $1 million plus $100,000 in incentives based on games started or finished.
The club's third arbitration possibility, outfielder Emil Brown, asked for $1.775 million and the Royals countered with $1.4 million. Negotiations are continuing.
Hernandez is expected to be part of the Royals' starting rotation. Affeldt will be tried as a starter but, if that doesn't work out, figures to be in the bullpen.
"I think both parties wanted to get it done," said assistant general manager Muzzy Jackson. "Now they can concentrate on going out and getting ready."
Affeldt, participating in the Royals' three-day mini-camp at the Surprise complex, made $950,000 last year. In these days of rapidly escalating salaries, his increase was relatively modest.
"There are some things you can go with," Affeldt said. "I was hurt and didn't have the big numbers. Last year, I wasn't consistent."
Affeldt, a left-hander, was 0-2 with no saves and a 5.26 ERA in 49 games and 49 2/3 innings. He began the season as the closer but was sidetracked by a groin injury.
"Last year at this time I could hardly walk because of my groin condition. It was something I had for five years," he said.
"I got back before spring, backed off in Spring Training, but then pulled it again."
Hernandez jumped from a salary of $325,000 last year, when he was 8-14 with a 5.52 ERA. He lost his last five decisions while his ERA spiraled from 4.43 on July 22.
A suspension and a lower-back sprain contributed to his second-half slump.
Brown was the Royals' biggest surprise, winning the right-field job in Spring Training and batting .286 with 17 home runs and 86 RBIs.
He earned $355,000 last season.

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

Royals announce Minor League personnel for 2006

01/18/2006
KANSAS CITY -- The Kansas City Royals have finalized their Minor League coaching and training staffs for the 2006 season, Royals Senior Director of Minor League Operations Shaun McGinn announced today.
Six of the seven affiliate managers will return for the 2006 season, including Royals Hall of Fame second baseman Frank White at Wichita (AA). Jeff Carter moves over from the Twins organization to take the reins at High Desert (A). Mike Jirschele, now entering his 17th season as a coach in the Royals Minor League system, will return for his fourth season in his second stint as manager of the club's top affiliate in Omaha (AAA). Jim Gabella and Brian Rupp will return to Burlington (A) and Idaho Falls (A), respectively, for their third seasons. Lloyd Simmons, the winningest coach in junior college baseball history, will manage the Arizona rookie club for the fourth-straight season, while Julio Bruno returns for his sixth year as skipper of Salcedo, the club's affiliate in the Dominican Summer League. Salcedo has posted a 94-26 record under Bruno the past two seasons, best in the 32-team league.
Tom Burgmeier has been named as the new pitching coach at Omaha (AAA) after spending the previous three seasons as the pitching coach at Burlington (A).
Al Le Boeuf will serve as hitting coach for Wichita (A) in 2006. Le Boeuf joins the Royals after spending the previous five seasons as a hitting coach in the New York Mets organization. He has also served as manager, hitting coach and third base coach in the Philadelphia organization from 1989 to 2000, working with players like Scott Rolen and Pat Burrell. Le Boeuf, who lives in Palm Harbor, Fla., with his wife, Laura, and son, played eight seasons in the Phillies organization from 1981-1988.
Jeff Carter joins the Royals organization as the new manager at Class A High Desert. Carter has spent the last nine seasons as a coach in the Minnesota Twins organization. Last season, he served as a coach at Class A Ft. Myers. He has previous managerial experience, leading Quad City (A) to a 256-218 (.540) record and two playoff appearances in three seasons from 2001-2003. He was also named Manager of the Year after leading Elizabethton to the 2000 Appalachian League (R) Championship. Carter played outfield for 12 seasons in the minors from 1985-1996. He played collegiately at the University of Nebraska and now lives in Mesa Ariz. He has a son, Jeff Jr.
Steve Renko, a former Royals pitcher in 1983 and native of Leawood, Kan., joins the Royals organization as pitching coach for High Desert (A). Renko spent the previous three seasons as pitching coach in the New York Yankees organization. Prior to that, he had served as a pitching coach in the San Francisco, Milwaukee, Chicago White Sox and California Angels organizations from 1995-2002. A graduate of the University of Kansas in 1964, Renko played 15 seasons in the Majors with the Montreal Expos, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox, California Angels and Kansas City Royals. He compiled a 134-146 record and a 3.99 ERA in 451 big league games.
Steve Luebber has been named as the new pitching coach for Burlington (A) after working five seasons as pitching coach for the Texas Rangers Double-A clubs in Tulsa from 2001-2002 and Frisco from 2003-2005. He has also served in the Florida, Baltimore and San Diego organizations. Luebber, a native of Joplin, Mo., pitched professionally for 17 seasons, posting a 6-10 record and a 4.62 ERA over 66 Major League appearances. He has two daughters and a son.
Mark Davis, the 1989 National League Cy Young Award winner, re-joins the Royals organization as pitching coach at Arizona (R). Davis spent the previous three seasons on the Arizona Diamondbacks Major League staff, the past year and a half as the D'Backs pitching coach. Davis had been in the Diamondbacks organization since 1999. Davis pitched for 16 seasons in the Majors, including a two and a half year stint with the Royals from 1990-1992. He compiled a 51-84 record with 96 saves and a 4.17 ERA, striking out 1,007 batters over his career. The two-time All-Star saved 44 games in 1989 en route to his Cy Young Award. Davis and his wife, Candy, have two daughters and two sons and live in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Mike Barnett was named the Royals Minor League Hitting Instructor after serving the past four seasons as the Toronto Blue Jays hitting coach developing players such as Vernon Wells and Orlando Hudson. Prior to his time with the Blue Jays, Barnett spent time coaching in the Chicago White Sox and Arizona organizations. The resident of Knoxville, Tenn., has two children.

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

Around the Horn: Catchers

01/18/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- When the Royals made their big trade of 2004, sending star center fielder Carlos Beltran to the Houston Astros, they obtained three guys who were largely anonymous.
Third baseman Mark Teahen and pitcher Mike Wood arrived from the Oakland A's in the three-club swap. And catcher John Buck checked in from the Astros.
All three survive in important roles. Buck, though, probably had the toughest assignment.
Fresh from Triple-A New Orleans, he was thrust into the job of handling a Major League pitching staff -- no easy task, even for a veteran catcher.
He's been at it for a season and a half now, and the Royals continue to be confident that Buck will be their catcher for a long time.
Last season, Buck played 118 games and batted .242. The tall, slender right-handed hitter had just 12 home runs and 47 RBIs, which were disappointing production numbers.
In each of his two years with Kansas City, he's finished strong offensively. Last year he hit safely in 17 of his last 19 starts with a .356 average (26-for-73), four homers and 15 RBIs. That boosted his average from .216 to .242. But it's long-term consistency that has eluded him so far.
Yet it's the defense and game-calling that the Royals make a priority for Buck. Can he call an intelligent game? Can he block errant pitches? Can he get off his throws to second base quickly?
So far, so good.
"We were pleased when he came in after the trade and did a solid job receiving the ball with above-average blocking skills," general manager Allard Baird said. "He's still learning to call a game but, overall, we're pleased."
Helping pitchers hold back base-stealers is a big item for Buck. A lanky, 6-foot-3 guy, he tended to unwind too slowly on his throws to second base.
"But he improved his release time last year," Baird noted.
During Buck's stay with the Royals, he's been given the support of wily, dusty old-timers who could impart the wisdom of this position. To be sure, it's demanding not only physically but mentally.
He's worked with Benito Santiago and Alberto Castillo. Upon his arrival, the manager was ex-catcher Tony Pena, who knew Buck from their days in the Astros organization. This year, new bullpen coach Fred Kendall will join returning coach Brian Poldberg in schooling Buck.
This year's veteran partner will be Paul Bako, who has eight Major League seasons behind him.
Bako has moved around, catching for Detroit, Houston, Florida, Atlanta, Milwaukee, the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He's regarded as a good handler of pitchers, guiding them to an ERA of below 4.00 during his career.
Another plus is that Bako is a left-handed hitter, which gives manager Buddy Bell the luxury of doing some platooning with the right-handed Buck.
On the debit side, Bako missed almost all of last season with a knee injury.
"He has solid, above-average receiving skills and is above-average in handling a pitching staff," Baird said. "He'll be able to aid us in the development of Buck."
Behind Buck and Bako, if needed, is Paul Phillips. He made a good impression in the last two seasons after three years of down time because of injuries.
Phillips returned to hit .312 for Triple-A Omaha in 2004 and had a .262 mark last season. In 23 games for the Royals, he had a .269 average and was notably aggressive behind the plate.

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

Grud makes his mark at mini-camp

01/18/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- If you're looking for a nickname as long as Mark Grudzielanek's last name, you could call him "Stubblebeard."
Certainly that describes the Royals' new second baseman at their mini-camp in Arizona. His black whiskers give him a gritty look, a Wild West hint of his El Paso background.
"He's just solid," manager Buddy Bell said. "He's a ballplayer."
Grudzielanek will plug the second-base hole after signing as a free agent for $4 million plus an option for 2007. It's his option, and kicks in if he reaches 500 plate appearances.
"The problem I have is coming in for one year, having success and maybe pushing us to the next level where we compete all the time and be in the mix. And then I'm going to leave? That's not right," Grudzielanek said.
"If something good is going to happen here, I want to have the opportunity to stay and be a part of something."
At 35, he moves across the state after one season in St. Louis, where he hit .294 for the division champion Cardinals. He didn't wear down, hitting .316 after the All-Star break.
Bell sees Grudzielanek as the Royals' No. 2 hitter, behind center fielder David DeJesus. That was a problem spot last season, filled by no less than 12 batters, most often by DeJesus and the now-departed Terrence Long, who started 37 times each in that hole.
"He's done it before, he understands situations," Bell said. "He doesn't freak out."
For the Cardinals, Grudzielanek had an on-base percentage of .334 and knocked in 59 runs, the second-highest total in his career.
"Last year I moved all around. I hit anywhere from first to second to sixth or seventh," he said.
Perhaps more important were his defensive credentials. He led National League second basemen in fielding (just seven errors in 694 chances) and topped all Major League second basemen with 108 double plays.
"Defensively, I feel like there's not a whole lot that are better out there, that have an arm like I do and can play second base like I do," he said.
"And then you wrap that in with [offense]. I consider myself a consistent player, all-around. I'm gap to gap, I'll get you maybe eight to 12 home runs a year, and I usually hit for a decent average. I try to concentrate on my on-base percentage. Put that all together and it's a pretty solid player."
Grudzielanek broke in with the Montreal Expos and, in 1996, he became just the second shortstop in history with a .300 average, 200 hits and 30 stolen bases in the same season. The other? Hall of Famer Honus Wagner of the Pittsburgh Pirates, in 1908.
After moving to the Los Angeles Dodgers, manager Davey Johnson shifted him to second base. That's where he stayed through his days with the Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and Cardinals.
"When you look at him on the field, his defensive ability goes without saying," general manager Allard Baird said. "I don't think any second baseman stays in on the double play like he does -- recklessly, sometimes."
Grudzielanek has been in the postseason twice, with the Cubs and the Cardinals, and those experiences represent the pinnacle of his career.
"It's something you dream about, to be one of last few teams in there and have a chance to win," he said.
"And playing with some of the best, from the Gary Sheffields to the Shawn Greens to the Sammy Sosas and, I think the best player going right now, Albert Pujols."
Despite the Royals' stumbles in the last two years, Grudzielanek can see reason for optimism.
"I saw the moves they were making and I liked the bullpen. They had a lot of great young arms here and, with a few additions, this team could make a push for it," he said.
He looks and sounds like a gritty grinder. Don't be in a hurry to shave, Stubblebeard.

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

Notes: Gordon works out at mini-camp

01/19/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Alex Gordon looked relaxed. Settled in the Royals' clubhouse next to veteran Mark Grudzielanek, the club's prize draft pick was ready for Thursday's final workout of the mini-camp.
Gordon will be back at Major League camp in a little over a month. He's already had a busy time since signing for $4 million on Sept. 29, after four months of negotiations.
While his agents and the Royals talked, Gordon stayed in shape by working out with his three ballplaying brothers at their home in Lincoln, Neb.
A third baseman, he played in the Arizona Fall League -- as a first baseman -- and batted .260 in 16 games.
"I started off really slow, then about the fourth game started hitting real well and went on a hot streak," he said. "Then I hit kind of a slump, but it was a good year for me."
Especially after helping put University of Nebraska in the College World Series. That notoriety carried over when he accompanied the Royals Caravan into Nebraska this winter. To hear John Buck tell it, he was banished to the van while Gordon made speeches and gave interviews.
"It wasn't quite that bad, but something like that," Gordon said. "He's still all over me about it."
With Mark Teahen making progress at third base, there have been many questions about what position Gordon will fill this year in his Minor League assignment. He professes not to care that much.
"I just want to be on the baseball field, playing," he said.
Gordon eventually might end up at first base, which he conquered with ease in Arizona, or at an outfield corner. He has average speed but a fine arm.
The Royals, though, plan to start him out at third base with Double-A Wichita or Class A High Desert.
Madritsch recovering: Left-hander Bobby Madritsch, claimed on waivers from the Seattle Mariners, had two throwing sessions in the three-day mini-camp. He underwent surgery Oct. 25 to repair his rotator cuff.
"I feel like I haven't skipped a beat," he said.
A starter, Madritsch figures to be game-ready by July.
But he said, "I'm not looking at the time frame, because I've been there before. I have to be patient."
Team Canada: Teahen, who is listed on Team Canada's provisional roster, isn't likely to play this time in the WBC.
"At this point, it's more important for me to be here now," he said. "But my father played on the Canadian team, so I'd like to do it at some point."
Australian connection: First baseman Justin Huber guided Royals officials on a recent Australian trip and they wound up signing his ex-coach as a scout.
Matthew Sheldon-Collins, who coached Huber at the Victorian Institute of Sport, will check out Aussie prospects for the Royals.
"Justin probably shortened the time to really establish ourselves by two years because of his contacts and notoriety," said general manager Allard Baird, accompanied on the trip by president Dan Glass and special assistant Louie Medina.
Huber, the 21st Australian to reach the Majors, said it's important to educate both young athletes and their parents in his homeland about the opportunities of baseball.
"Kids leave and they don't see [the players] unless they reach the top," Huber said. "They're not playing in front of family and friends, and so it's not a very desirable sport."
Davis returns: Mark Davis, who won the National League Cy Young Award in 1989 before signing with the Royals, has returned to the organization.
Davis will be the pitching coach for the Royals in the Rookie classification Arizona League. He had been the Major League pitching coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
"We wanted to bring in some older guys with Major League experience," said Shaun McGinn, the Royals' senior director of Minor League operations. "He had some other good coaching offers but decided to come over here."
Davis, who won the Cy Young with the San Diego Padres, flopped after signing a free agent contract with the Royals. A Phoenix-area resident, he was with the Diamondbacks since 1999.
Manager hired: The only change among Minor League managers for the Royals came at High Desert where Jeff Carter replaced Billy Gardner Jr. Gardner resigned to take a job in the Cincinnati Reds organization.
Carter, an infielder-outfielder for 12 years in the Minors, had spent the last nine years in the Minnesota Twins system.
"I think he'll fit in well because of the similarities between their program and our program," McGinn said.
Mike Jirschele will return as manager of Triple-A Omaha and Frank White will be back at Wichita.
Among other changes: Former Royals pitcher Tom Burgmeier was promoted to Omaha pitching coach. Steve Renko, also an ex-Royal, was hired as High Desert's pitching coach. Former Toronto Blue Jays coach Mike Barnett was hired as Minor League hitting instructor.
There were no team location changes this year but, McGinn noted, all the contracts with affiliates expire after 2006.

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

Garcia a link to baseball's past

01/20/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Dave Garcia has a twinkle in his eye. When you're 85 years old and still pulling on a baseball uniform, you twinkle. It's automatic. You're still a kid at heart.
That's why Garcia was having such an immensely good time at the Royals' mini-camp this week. He's a dear friend of manager Buddy Bell and the Royals have hired Garcia, a former manager of the Angels and Indians.
You want baseball insight? Garcia's got it. You want a player assessed? Garcia is the guy. You want some nostalgia? Garcia is overflowing.
Spring Training is just around the bend. Garcia can take you back to his first camp, just down the road from his East St. Louis, Ill., home. There were no Arizona or Florida trips for Minor Leaguers in those days.
Signed by the St. Louis Browns, Garcia trained in Belleville, Ill., with the Springfield Browns. He got beaned by a pitch.
"I didn't play for a year. It wasn't because of the injury as much as it was because of the fear. We didn't have helmets in those days and I was scared," he said.
"In those days, the guys on the Springfield club were veterans and they'd knock you on your fanny. I was scared to death; I was 17 years old."
Helping support his mother and siblings, Garcia returned to baseball. He remembers in 1941 piling into a car with Hank Bauer, also from East St. Louis, and another player for training in Grand Forks, N.D.
"The day we got there it was 13 degrees. The manager was Larry Bettencourt, an All-American football player and a good guy. We worked out in tennis shoes so we wouldn't slip," Garcia recalled.
"The Minor Leagues never went anywhere for Spring Training until after World War II. Whenever you played, that's where you went. I remember when snow covered the field. They drug the snow off the parking lot and it was asphalt and we practiced on the asphalt."
Yep, that's a long way from the warm, cushy surroundings enjoyed by today's players. Not to mention the monetary rewards, including meal money.
"When I was in Lake Charles in 1939, we got 75 cents a day meal money if we played on the road and came home after the game. If we stayed overnight, we got $1.50," Garcia said.
"Fred Hancock, the shortstop, and I stayed in the same house and the lady charged us $1.50 a week for a room. But every night, she had a glass of milk and cookies or cake so we actually lived there for free. Then she would wash our underwear and socks for 35 cents a week."
And, for a long time, the meal money didn't increase, he recalled.
"In 1948, I was managing Knoxville in what they used to call the Tri-State League. Hoyt Wilhelm was one of my pitchers. And we got $2 a day meal money," Garcia said.
"In 1967, I was managing Fresno in the California League and our meal money was $2 a day. In 20 years, it didn't go up. It's amazing."
Those were the days, too, when most players took winter jobs to make ends meet. Garcia was slinging sides of beef around the stockyards.
"For nine years, I worked at Swift & Co. in East St. Louis, Ill. Before I went there, Enos Slaughter worked there, too, when he was with the Cardinals," Garcia said.
"Some players, like Jimmie Foxx and those guys, lived on farms and they milked cows. It was different."
Garcia said he weighed 162 pounds the first year he manhandled the beef and came out 20 pounds heavier and much stronger.
His old buddy Bauer became a star for the Yankees and also managed the A's in Kansas City and the Orioles to the 1966 World Series championship. Bauer still lives in KC and used to visit Garcia when he'd come to town.
"When I was a coach at Milwaukee, we were sitting in the clubhouse and Pete Vuckovich, one of our pitchers, was there. He said, 'Tell me some baseball stories,'" Garcia said.
So Garcia told him about 1941 and the Grand Forks experience and all of that.
"And Pete said, 'What kind of money were you making?' I said, 'Well, I was getting $100 a month.' Bauer jumped out of his chair and said, 'How in the hell were you getting $100? I was only getting $75!' I said, 'One reason was I was a better hitter than you.' "
Garcia, who never played in the Majors, and Bauer had a good laugh over that.
Now, in less than a month, the stories will be flowing again. The Royals' players will get some rich history from a man who has lived it.
Best of all, they'll have their day lightened by that twinkle in Garcia's eye. He's still a kid at heart. They still call him "Davey."

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

Stadium renovations being discussed

01/22/2006
The pot is heating up on the proposed renovation of Kauffman Stadium.
Legislators in Jackson County, Mo., were to meet Friday to consider terms of new 25-year leases presented to the Royals and their neighbors, the NFL Chiefs.
By Tuesday, the county legislators must decide what to put on the April 4 ballot to finance the proposed $575 million in total improvements to Kauffman and Arrowhead stadiums.
There already was a three-eighths cent sales tax increase earmarked for voters' consideration to fund $425 million of the renovations. However, the lease matter was complicated Thursday by the insertion of a "rolling roof" for both stadiums.
This would require a one percent tax, to be paid by businesses outside of Jackson County, to raise $200-$225 million to finance that addition. The moveable roof would be used to cover both stadiums and is essential in the Chiefs' bid to bring a Super Bowl to Kansas City.
The "rolling roof" concept was part of the original plan for the Truman Sports Complex in 1969 but was discarded as being too costly.
The Royals primarily are interested in creating new fan-friendly attractions, widening concourses, adding concession stands, improving restrooms, and making infrastructure repairs and improvements.
The Royals would contribute $25 million and the Chiefs $75 million to the project.
The Royals posted a copy of the 25-year lease on MLB.com and the team Web site and announced they intend to sign it on Monday.
The Royals announced Sunday night that they will commit to a 30-cent per ticket user fee in addition to providing Jackson County residents discount ticket coupons valued at a minimum of $2 million a year over the life of the lease.
The Royals had withheld support of a user fee, but the club agreed to the fee after talking with Jackson County legislator Fred Arbanas, a strong proponent of an additional fee charged to fans attending games. The Chiefs announced last week that they would charge a one-dollar user fee on each ticket sold as long as the Royals would also commit to a user fee.
Details are available in section 26 of the lease.
The club noted that the Royals are projected to rank 30th and last in average ticket prices for the 2006 season.

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Youth to be served in KC?

01/23/2006
Mark Teahen seemed to hit the ball much better in the last months of 2005. Anything specific that led to his improvement? -- Grant H., Kansas City, Mo.
Hitting coach Andre David noticed improvement over the last 1 1/2 months or so. Thrust into the Majors a season earlier than expected, Teahen's approach finally came together. He showed better plate discipline as far as identifying balls and strikes and was able to square up on the ball better. The approach helped him bat .303 in September, with four home runs in a 14-game span after he hit just three in the previous 102 games.
Where does Zack Greinke fit into the rotation this year and how good do you think he will be? -- Jason M., Lathrop, Mo.
Behind the staff leader, whether it's Runelvys Hernandez or Scott Elarton, it doesn't make much sense to rank the starters. But Greinke should be right in the middle somewhere. With what he learned in a rocky second season, he's gifted and smart enough to make a rapid jump beyond the double-figure mark in victories. Other readers have suggested that Greinke might benefit from more time in the Minors to help his confidence. Greinke already has enough confidence to go around.
Now that Andrew Sisco has a full season under his belt, will he get a shot at a starting job? -- Brian G., Orange, Calif.
There are no plans to try Sisco as a starter this year. He did well as a left-handed setup man for Mike MacDougal and proved himself valuable in the bullpen in 2005 (3.11 ERA in 67 games). At a hardy 6-foot-10, Sisco certainly has the physique to start someday, as he did in the Cubs organization.
Where do you see Justin Huber, touted as the new Mike Sweeney, fitting into the lineup? -- David C., Kan.
With Doug Mientkiewicz, Matt Stairs and Sweeney available at first base, Huber will be working on his defense with Triple-A Omaha to start the season.
What's the current status of pitcher Bob Keppel? -- Elizabeth J.
Keppel, a 23-year-old right-hander from St. Louis, was signed to a Minor League contract. Injured in the Mets system during the 2004 campaign, he was 2-1 with a 3.29 ERA in five games for Triple-A Norfolk in 2005. He gives the Royals another arm at Omaha.
Will Bobby Madritsch be in Spring Training? What will his number be? -- Mikki D., Tacoma, Wash.
Madritsch, a waiver-wire pickup from the Mariners, will be there getting his surgically-repaired shoulder back in shape. He should be ready to pitch by July. His number? "I think I'll stick with my 56," he said.
Is Chip Ambres or Emil Brown a better fit in left field? -- Ronnie, Austin, Texas
Brown has to be the guy, unless he completely bottoms out in Spring Training. He was the Royals' most consistent hitter last season, blossoming at age 30. Even so, the Royals will be watching him closely to make certain he's not really a Triple-A player who just had a fluke season.
Ambres doesn't have Brown's power or strong arm, but he is a better all-around fielder. Of course, he has yet to prove he can make the jump from Triple-A. Ambres was actually the No. 2 player obtained in last year's deal that sent second baseman Tony Graffanino to the Red Sox. Pitcher Juan Cedeno was the player the Royals really wanted, although they figured Ambres might be useful as a backup outfielder.
Why do the Royals keep saying Aaron Guiel is too old and keep him in the Minors, yet keep signing 35-to-40-year-old outfielders? -- Frank B., Concordia, Kan.`
Guiel arrived very late in the Majors and he's now 33, but I've never heard Royals officials say he was too old. In baseball, many players get typecast and Guiel basically is seen as a backup player. Unfortunately, his career dipped after he had eye problems in 2004 and, despite a great 2005 for Omaha, that cloud still hovers over him.
Yes, Reggie Sanders is 38 years old, but he's survived for many years in the Majors and helped put teams into the postseason. There's a certain aura there that the Royals hope will spill over onto their younger guys. The same holds true for Matt Stairs, who not only is still a good player, but also serves as a clubhouse cop who can help keep the young troops from wandering off in their own direction.

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

Royals, Chiefs agree to new leases

01/24/2006
The Royals' hopes to get public funding for an ambitious renovation project at Kauffman Stadium moved forward Tuesday when the Jackson County legislature unanimously voted to put the issue on an April 4 ballot referendum.
A concept for a $200 million rolling roof at the Truman Sports Complex that would alternately cover the ballpark and the Chiefs' adjacent home at Arrowhead Stadium was also approved for the ballot in a 9-0 vote.
"It's going to be on the ballot. Now we're definitely agreeing to something that will keep both teams in Kansas City," Royals senior vice president of business operations Mark Gorris said Tuesday evening. "The teams are locked in."
The Royals and NFL's Chiefs signed a new 25-year lease that would take the teams through the 2031 season, pending voter approval of a three-eighths of a cent Jackson County sales tax levy that would finance the $575 million plan. The baseball team would kick in $25 million to the project and pay for any cost overruns at its facility.
The club announced earlier this week that it agreed a 30 cent-per-ticket user fee that would contribute to the newly renovated stadiums. That was in addition to plans to give out 267,000 ticket discount coupons -- one to each Jackson County household.
The Royals originally balked at committing to user fees. The club agreed after talking with former Chiefs player and current Jackson County legislator Fred Arbanas, a proponent of an additional fee charged to those who attend the games. Last week, the Chiefs announced that they would charge a $1 user fee on each ticket if the Royals would also commit to a fee.
If renovations were to be approved by voters, Kauffman Stadium would be expanded to have wider concourses, more concessions and expansion of the outfield area behind the fountains. The square footage of the ballpark would be increased by 40 percent.
"It'll be a major change," Gorris said. "Without overpromising, we think we will have the best family oriented experience in all of baseball."
The rolling roof, which would cover approximately 15 acres in the complex parking lot, can be moved from one stadium to another in around 17 minutes.

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

Around the Horn: Corner Infielders

01/25/2006
KANSAS CITY -- It's a matter of extremes on the infield corners for the Royals. At first base, the cabinet is well-stocked. At third base, the selection is thinner.
You want first basemen? You got 'em with Mike Sweeney, Matt Stairs, Doug Mientkiewicz and Justin Huber.
At third base, there's Mark Teahen and ... and .... OK, a backup, maybe Esteban German or Joe McEwing.
So how is this wealth of first basemen going to be employed?
It revolves around Sweeney, the team captain, biggest star and most dangerous hitter.
"A lot of it depends on where Mike is at," said manager Buddy Bell. "We've got to get Mike in our lineup every day. That's important to us -- even if he doesn't get any hits, just from a credibility standpoint, it adds so much."
Sweeney's medical problems have been, pardon the expression, a sore point for the last four years. Mostly it's been of the back variety. Last season, though, a right oblique muscle, a sprained left wrist and a bruised forearm all factored in as well.
As a result, Sweeney played just 122 games but still managed to hit .300 with 21 homers, 39 doubles and 83 RBIs.
After the sore back struck in late August, Sweeney was used as the designated hitter in his last 20 starts. That might be his fate for most of this season, too.
Shhhhhh ... not too loud. The Royals don't broadcast this from the rooftops because Sweeney likes to be in the field. But even he has hinted recently that perhaps exposing himself less to the wear and tear and twists and turns around first base might keep him in the lineup more.
Right now, Bell is inclined to use Mientkiewicz as his starting first baseman in an effort to upgrade the defense.
"It's upgrading," general manager Allard Baird said, "but it's also to give support to Michael, to him staying healthy and being productive, too. Last year, he was not on the disabled list but he was not 100 percent [even though he was] playing. And that doesn't help Michael or the ballclub."
Mientkiewicz, a past Gold Glove winner, hasn't hit much in the last two years as a part-time player for the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox. However, in his last full season for the Minnesota Twins, he batted .300 and had 65 RBIs in 2003.
"Let's see how it plays out when we go into Spring Training, but Mientkiewicz is going to get considerable time," Baird said.
Stairs started more games (61) than anyone else for the Royals last season and he still moves around pretty well at 38. He produces (13 homers, 66 RBIs, 60 walks) and figures to see plenty of backup duty at DH and first and perhaps the outfield.
Huber is the future guy, penciled in for a season at Triple-A Omaha. He was the Texas League batting champion but is still picking up the nuances of first base after his shift from catching.
Meanwhile, third base belongs to Teahen after a rookie season in which he batted .246 and made 20 errors. Obviously, those are not great figures, but he did pretty well for a guy who was supposed to spend most of the summer with Omaha.
"I don't expect Mark to be any kind of superstar or anything," Bell said, "but I expect him to progress nicely over the next three or four years. He's a pretty doggone good player. And he's such a smart kid. Sneaky though, too. He doesn't say much, but he competes."
Teahen, a left-handed hitter, who often drives the ball to the opposite field, is not a home run-masher-waiting-to-happen. He had seven in 130 games and is more of a gap hitter.
German, obtained in a trade with the Texas Rangers, is likely to be Teahen's main backup. McEwing, who started 26 games last year at third, can lend experience when needed.
And if you're thinking top draft pick Alex Gordon, forget it. Gordon will be playing at Double-A Wichita or Class A High Desert.

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/

Royals unveil new uniforms for 2006

01/27/2006
KANSAS CITY -- The Royals unveiled their new 2006 uniforms, which have a more traditional look, at their annual forecast luncheon on Friday.
The two home uniforms will say "Royals," while the two road uniforms will have "Kansas City" on the front. The lettering on the front will change from last year's block print to script.
"Basically, the goal of the uniform changes was to get back to more of a traditional look for the ballclub," said Dave Witty, the Royals' vice president of communications and marketing.
One of the key changes with the new uniform is the return to the crown logo. The Royals used a circular logo over the past few seasons.
"The crown logo will go back on the uniform sleeves," Witty said. "The gold in the crown has been magnified. Several teams have the circle logo, but no team in sports has that crown. We've had a couple of different logos and we're trying to go with the distinctive crown."
Witty said the changes "are not drastic" and that many fans on Opening Day might not notice some of the subtle changes.
The Royals have done away with the sleeveless look in all four uniforms. "We'll have sleeves," Witty said.
The Royals did keep the black jerseys for an alternate road top. Witty said the black jerseys were popular with the fans and the players like it. They will also have grey road uniforms. The home uniforms will be the traditional white with a blue alternate jersey.
"Another change is on the hat and batting helmet -- they are all blue," Witty said. "We eliminated the black out of the batting helmet. There still is a black jersey."
One other change will be small blue piping on the pants for home and road uniforms.
"We wanted to jazz up the pants more," Witty said. The Royals will wear black belts and black shoes.
Catcher John Buck and Royals captain Mike Sweeney modeled the jersey tops at the luncheon.
"I think they are good looking," Buck said. "I'm more of a traditionalist."
Buck said he campaigned for a return to the Royals' powder blue tops.
"We did look at the powder blue road uniforms, but this time we did not go that far," Witty said. "I receive a lot of e-mails and calls about bringing back the power blues."
Sweeney is glad to see the Royals switch uniform designs for another reason.
"Hopefully, the new uniforms will be a little more productive then the previous ones," Sweeney said. "I think maybe this is a symbol of a new start. We have new guys coming in. We have a new game plan the '06 season. Hopefully, the new uniforms will bring us more wins."

Source: http://royals.mlb.com/