De La Rosa Hit Hard in Loss

Game Date: March 27, 2007
Cubs 13, Royals 10 / Box Score
Royals Spring Training Record: 10-15

Jorge De La Rosa is not looking like he’s ready to take over the club’s fourth spot in the rotation. He was hit hard yesterday, giving up six runs on five hits and three walks in 1.2 innings, as he continually fell behind in the count. He now has an 8.74 ERA. I’m not sure why Bell is so convinced that De La Rosa deserves a spot in the rotation, but after the game he was still saying that he’s the number four guy.

It was nice to see Mike Sweeney hit his first home run of the spring (a three-run shot). Emil Brown and Alex Gordon both hit their second home run. Tony Pena was 2-for-2 and David DeJesus was 2-for-3.

The outfield situation is finally beginning to take shape. Bell is planning to keep Mark Teahen in right. David DeJesus will play center. Emil Brown and Ross Gload will platoon in left. And Reggie Sanders will play back up and DH. The Royals are reportedly talking with the Orioles about trading Sanders for a reliever.

Bell announced that the he is planning to hit Alex Gordon in the five hole instead of the seven hole as he plan originally. According to the Star, here’s the batting order we should be see when the season opens:

1. David DeJesus
2. Mark Grudzielanek
3. Mark Teahen
4. Mike Sweeney
5. Alex Gordon
6. Ryan Shealy
7. Ross Gload/ Emil Brown
8. John Buck/Jason LaRue
9. Tony Peña Jr.