RC Spring Training Report -- Day 2

RC arrived at camp today just as the gates opened, and we watched infield and batting practice for a couple hours. Buddy Bell ran the show on the main field, and after about half an hour of fielding drills, the players broke into four groups to take batting practice. Mark Teahen, Mike Sweeney, and John Buck were hitting the snot out of the ball, each sending several balls over the fence. After BP, RC watched as the Royals conducted a simulated game. The game was interesting, primarily because we'd never before seen one take place. The Royals in the field were the following:

1B - Justin Huber
2B - Donnie Murphy
SS - Angel Sanchez
3B - Alex Gordon
LF - Shane Costa
CF - Kerry Robinson
RF - Chip Ambres

Most of those seven remained in the field for the entire game -- the only players who rotated in and out after each half inning were the pitchers and catchers. Buck and Paul Phillips took turns catching the pitchers, who worked in pairs. Scott Elarton and Mike Wood threw the first two innings, with Joe Mays, Runelvys Hernandez, and Luis Cota finishing out the game, each throwing an inning apiece.

Our notes from the game:

Among the few players who actually got to bat, Aaron Guiel and Murphy had the best at bats and made the best contact. Murphy hit a double to deep center and a sacrifice fly to left.

Angel Sanchez looked great at short, displaying soft hands and a good arm. Gordon had a couple nice plays, the only flaw being a throw a bit to the right of the second base bag on a potential double play. Justin Huber flawlessly handled the three grounders hit to him at first base.

Chip Ambres took a poor route to an Aaron Guiel fly ball, and it hit off his glove for a two-base error, eerily similar to his infamous error from last season. Bell didn't look too happy about that.

Hernandez and Cota were both popping the mitt. Hernandez struck out Kerry Robinson on a nasty changeup to end his inning, and Cota finished the day by striking out his final batter. Wood's sinker was working well, and Elarton and Mays both looked good. None of the pitchers who threw struggled at all against a collection of minor league players trying to make the roster.

Tomorrow the real fun begins, as the Royals take on the Rangers in the first Cactus League game of the season. RC will be watching from our official box seats behind the third base dugout, and we'll be sure to take careful notes, along with tons of photos and video. In the meantime, here are some photos from today's action.


Donnie Murphy rips a double to center as Dick Kaegel watches in the background.


Angel Sanchez looked smooth at short.


From RC's vantage point, it looked like Hernandez was throwing hard today.


Obligatory Alex Gordon photo


RC was thrilled to get our first look at Luis Cota.


Justin Huber is heading to Florida tomorrow to join up with his mates on the Australian WBC team.