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Royals notebook: Club expects to start season short-handed
Royals prepare for Olivo suspension
The Royals expect to start the season with just 24 players on their roster because of a pending five-game suspension to Miguel Olivo. The suspension stems from Olivo’s involvement last Sept. 29 in an on-field fracas with Mets shortstop Jose Reyes while a member of the Florida Marlins.
Olivo has appealed the suspension, and a ruling on that appeal is expected before the end of spring training. Teams are not permitted to replace players on their 25-man active roster or 40-man organizational roster when a suspension occurs because of an on-field incident.
Some good news on Guillen
In contrast, the Royals will be able to replace outfielder Jose Guillen during his 15-day suspension to start the season. Guillen’s suspension stems from violations of baseball’s drug program. Guillen is also appealing his suspension.
The Royals did get a bit of good news in a clarification from the Commissioner’s Office regarding Guillen’s suspension. It runs from the March 30 start of the MLB season, not the March 31 start of the Royals’ season. That means Guillen will miss 12 games, instead of an anticipated 13, pending his appeal.
Callaspo is delayed again
Infielder Alberto Callaspo will miss at least one more day of camp because his visa hearing at the U.S. Consulate in Caracas, Venezuela, was rescheduled for 7 this morning.
“We expect him to get it (this) morning and to catch an early afternoon flight out of Caracas,” assistant general manager Dean Taylor said. “He should be here by late (this) evening. That’s our expectation.”
Callaspo missed his original visa hearing due to playing for Venezuela in the Caribbean World Series, which took place earlier this month in the Dominican Republic.
All other 61 players on the camp roster took part in Tuesday’s workout. Catcher Jeff Howell was reassigned to the minor-league minicamp.
Mourning a loss
The Royals lost perhaps their biggest fan Tuesday afternoon when Donna Stewart succumbed to complications related to cancer. Stewart was the wife of Art Stewart, an employee of the club since 1968 who currently serves as a senior advisor to general manager Dayton Moore.
“Our prayers are out to Art and the family,” Moore said. “There was never a greater fan of the Royals than Donna Stewart.
“People in front-office and scouting positions know the importance that your spouse plays in the success of your career. Donna was with Art every step of the way. It’s a sad day. Art has been through a lot, and Donna is at peace now.”
Dedication planned
The Royals plan to rename their three primary practice fields this morning in honor of George Brett, Frank White and Dick Howser. The ceremony will also officially rename the observation tower at their four cloverleaf fields in honor of Art Stewart.
The fields named for Brett, White and Howser are those used primarily by the big-league team in spring training. The cloverleaf fields are typically used by the minor-league teams.
Minicamp opens
Formal workouts for minor-leaguers began when the club opened a minicamp for 23 players once the big-leaguers left the practice fields. The camp runs for six days and offers a head start for some older players.
Those participating:
Pitchers (9): Greg Atencio, Mike Connolly, Jason Cromer, Julio De La Cruz, Jeff Fulchino, Dusty Hughes, Devon Lowery, Paul Mildren and Jarod Plummer.
Catchers (4): Todd Balduf, Nick Doscher, Jeff Howell and Matt Morizio.
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.”