Finally, an official workout.
The Royals’ pitchers and catchers hit the field at 9:30 today for conditioning drills before launching into their throwing routines. The 61-player camp roster includes 31 pitchers and seven catchers.
Most of the 23 infielders and outfielders are also in camp and will continue voluntary workouts until Tuesday, when the full-squad workouts commence.
Pitching coach Bob McClure said 11 pitchers will open camp as candidates for the rotation: Gil Meche, Zack Greinke, Brian Bannister, Brett Tomko, Jorge De La Rosa, Luke Hudson, John Bale, Brian Lawrence, Kyle Davies, Hideo Nomo and Mike Maroth.
Only an injury is likely to keep Meche, Greinke and Bannister from making the rotation. Club officials also indicate Tomko must pitch his way out of the No. 4 slot.
Hochevar to bullpen
Luke Hochevar also could emerge as a candidate for the rotation, although he will open camp as a reliever.
“I want to break him in out of the pen,” McClure said, “but he’ll pitch longer than a short reliever. I can’t say he’s not a likely candidate (for the rotation). I can’t put it to you that way. I’m going to have to watch him pitch.”
Nomo-mania
Veteran pitcher Hideo Nomo was among Wednesday’s camp arrivals, and his appearance generated a sharp increase in the number of Japanese reporters.
They left disappointed. Nomo won’t meet reporters until after today’s workout.
Only left-hander John Foster and catcher Matt Tupman have yet to arrive at the complex, but both are expected to be in uniform for today’s workout.
More games
The Royals have already added “B” games for March 7, 9 and 13 against campus co-tenant Texas in an effort to generate enough innings for their 31 pitchers.
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