Royals Hit Three HR's in Win

Game Date: March 29, 2007
Royals 7, Rangers 5 / Box Score
Royals Spring Training Record: 11-16

Odalis Perez had to leave the game yesterday after three innings with blister problems again. He claims that he’ll be ready to go for the second game of the season, but this is the second time in the last two weeks that one of his outings were cut short by a blister. The Royals plan to limit Zack Greinke’s pitch count tonight against the Astros just in case he needs to be bumped up to the number two spot the first time through the rotation.

The Royals hit three home runs in this one. Ross Gload hit his second of the spring. Mike Sweeney hit his second. And Mark Teahen hit his fourth. Ron Washington, the Rangers manager, had a funny quote about Brandon McCarthy’s allowing Sweeney’s home run: “He made one mistake, and that was trying to sneak the cheese by the rat. Not many (pitchers) are going to sneak the cheese by him, especially when he’s healthy.”

The Royals made their final cut of the spring to bring their roster to down to 25 guys. They optioned Joey Gathright to Omaha. Gathright was the odd man out since Gload played so well this spring and since Teahen logged some time in center to back up DeJesus. If the Royals deal Reggie Sanders or Emil Brown, then Gathright is sure to get the call back to the big leagues.

As predicted, Alex Gonzalez chose not to report to Omaha, so he’s a free agent now. The Royals head to Houston now where they’ll play two games before heading north to Kansas City for the home opener against the Red Sox. RSTN is planning to carry the game tonight.