ST Game #2

Game Date: February 29, 2008
Royals 13, Padres 9 / Box Score
Royals Spring Training Record: 1-1

Six runs in the first inning? What a difference a game makes huh? Obviously, several guys had a big day at the plate. David DeJesus was 2-for-2 with an RBI, Alberto Callaspo was 2-for-3, Justin Huber was 2-for-2 with 2 RBI, and Ross Gload was 2-for-3 with 2 RBI and a home run. But what I was most impressed by was the number of walks the Royals were able to draw: 8. We still had a number of non-regulars playing today, so I don't put a lot of weight into these Spring Training games, but I do like to see guys working the count. That's encouraging.

Gil Meche pitched two scoreless innings. Hideo Nomo didn't give up any earned runs, but he did give up three hits and a walk. After the game Trey Hillman singled out Nomo's lack of velocity as a possible problem: "If he doesn't get any more velocity, he's going to have to command the ball at least as well as he did today and maybe even better." Jimmy Gobble was hit hard, giving up one earned, three unearned, in just two-thirds of an inning while walking two. And Joakim Soria gave up three earned runs on three hits in an inning of work. Not a lot to be concerned about regarding Gobble and Soria right now, but we'll have to watch them as camp progresses.

The Royals stole four bases in the game (Joey Gathright, Justin Huber, and Damon Hollins 2) and had a guy (Mark Teahen) picked off second (how does that happen?)

Ryan Shealy is still down with the flu. And Ryan Braun is back after missing some action with a cold.

Zack Greinke and Mike Maroth will make their debuts today against Texas. We should also see Julio Pimentel, Ron Mahay, Carlos Rosa, and Yasuhiko Yabuta.