Royals notebook: Club expects to start season short-handed

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Infielders (6): Irving Falu, Kila Kaaihue, Ed Lucas, Marc Maddox, David Matranga and Chris McConnell.

Outfielders (4): Brian Buchanan, Jose Duarte, Adam Greenberg and Brian McFall.

Clean shaven

Royals manager Trey Hillman sported a clean-shaven look for the first full-squad workout by shaving his goatee.

Hillman wanted a more traditional look for the club’s annual photo day, which is next Monday. He shaved a few days early in hopes the sun will fill in the untanned areas in time.

“I shaved my goatee off not for the purpose of it being suggestive to anyone else,” Hillman said. “I’m going to allow facial hair as long as they keep it trimmed and neat.”

Tips from Meche

One example of Gil Meche’s growing role as a staff leader is the number of other pitchers who approach him seeking advice.

“I love to talk pitching,” Meche said. “Already there have been guys coming up to me and asking how to hold grips. I’ll sit there and talk to them for five or 10 minutes on just what I think and how I throw a pitch. That’s fun.

“I used to do that with guys. Now, guys are coming to me and asking me what my curveball looks like or my cutter or how I hold my change-up. When guys come to get input, it’s fun to talk about it.”

Kudos for Kuntz

Justin Huber is already seeing results after just one workout with new outfield coach Rusty Kuntz.

“He seems to be right on point,” Huber said. “He’s already given me a lot of tips. I’ve got as much information on the first day as I could possibly handle. I’m sure it’s going to get easier and make a little more sense as spring training goes on.”

Maroth’s thoughts

Veteran lefty Mike Maroth doesn’t promise the sort of controversy that Boston’s Curt Schilling engenders, but he also has a Web site that offers regular updates: www.marothbaseball.com.

“No ads,” he said. “It’s for the fans.”

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| Bob Dutton, bdutton@kcstar.com.