ST Game #26

Game Date: March 25, 2008
Royals 8, Padres 4 / Box Score
Royals Spring Training Record: 15-11

I tend to think that the media and fans alike are putting way too much energy into who is going to be in the starting rotation on Opening Day. Anybody remember the rotation last year as the Royals broke camp?

Here it is:

1. Gil Meche
2. Odalis Perez
3. Zack Greinke
4. Jorge De La Rosa
5. Brandon Duckworth

Four of the five didn't even come close to 30 starts. Perez started 26 games, Greinke started 14, De La Rosa started 23, and Duckworth started just three. Now look at the number of starts other guys, who weren't in the Opening Day rotation, got; Brian Bannister started 27 games, Kyle Davies started 11, Scott Elarton started nine, Leo Nunez started six, and Billy Buckner started five.

So the point is, a month or two from now, we'll know who our best five guys are and they'll be in the rotation. Or, as is the case in most seasons, we won't really have a number four or five guy and those spots will be filled with a rotating cast of hopefuls. 

Brett Tomko gave up one earned run yesterday in four innings and given the way De La Rosa threw a couple of nights ago and the way Kyle Davies was pummeled (6 R, 11 H, in 5.0 IP) in a minor league game yesterday, you have to think that Tomko has nailed down the illustrious fifth spot behind John Bale. We'll see.

Alberto Callaspo was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Damon Hollins was 1-for-5 with an RBI. Esteban German was 1-for-4 with 2 RBI and he found out that he'll be the primary right fielder to start the season if Jose Guillen's suspension isn't overturned. Justin Huber was 1-for-1 with 2 RBI.

Joey Gathright stole his 11th base of the spring.

Chin-Hui Tsao picked up the win for the Royals in relief. Hideo Nomo gave up one earned run in an inning. Ron Mahay and Joakim Soria pitching the final two innings without allowing any runs.

Injury Updates: David DeJesus still has a sore ankle, but is expected to be okay in a day or two. Miguel Olivo didn't experience any problems with his strained right groin while catching seven innings in a minor league game.

The Royals still have 42 players in camp, so they have a lot of cuts to make in the next five days.