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Bale, Tomko get starting spots in Royals’ moves
By BOB DUTTONThe Kansas City Star
SURPRISE, Ariz. | The Royals awarded the final two spots in their rotation to left-hander John Bale and right-hander Brett Tomko after making a series of personnel moves Wednesday on the eve of breaking their Arizona camp.
“Bale earned it,” manager Trey Hillman said. “Johnny has been outstanding all through spring training. He’s been hit in spots but, pretty much, from day one he’s commanded three pitches.
“Tomko, I think there’s a lot more yet to be seen from him. He’s a better pitcher right now … than he was at the start of spring training. We believe he can continue to get better.”
The Royals opted for Bale, 33, and Tomko, 34, after optioning right-hander Kyle Davies to Class AAA Omaha and designating left-hander Jorge De La Rosa for assignment.
The club made several other personnel moves, including one to solidify its bullpen by acquiring right-hander Ramon Ramirez from Colorado for a player to be determined.
“He’s a guy with a power arm,” general manager Dayton Moore said. “We felt we needed to acquire somebody with some power from the right side to go along with (Leo) Nuñez.”
Bale spent last season as reliever but lost 25 pounds in an offseason conditioning program in an effort to gain stamina as a starter.
“Going back to the end of last season when this was first discussed,” he said, “the process of going from there to where I am now is definitely a big sense of accomplishment.
“The important thing now is to stay there.”
Bale and Tomko will follow Gil Meche, Brian Bannister and Zack Greinke in the rotation. Tomko won the final job despite an inconsistent spring in which he allowed 15 earned runs and 31 hits in 18 2/3 innings.
“Last spring training,” he said, “I had one of the best spring trainings I’ve ever had, and it didn’t turn out too hot (once the season started). It’s about stuff. It’s about how you feel. It’s about command of your pitches. I feel like it’s all there, and I feel good.”
Hillman confirmed Ramirez, who is out of options, will make the opening-day roster.
“His stuff is supposed to be very electric,” Hillman said. “I trust those evaluations. We’re going to get him in here as soon as possible and get him in the mix sooner rather than later.”
Ramirez, 26, reported to camp during Wednesday’s 8-5 loss to the Mariners and projects as a setup reliever. He had a strong rookie season in 2006, when he compiled a 3.46 ERA in 61 games, but elbow problems limited him last year to just 22 games.
“He was on the DL twice last year, but we’re comfortable and confident,” Moore said. “We scouted him all spring. His velocity has been good. He’s had some success. So it’s a good move for us at this point.”
Ramirez’s spring numbers indicate he is fully recovered: two runs and seven hits while registering 13 strikeouts in 12 2/3 innings.
“I’m happy to be here,” he said. “I’m having a good spring, and I’m feeling good.”
Moore also indicated the Royals are likely to open the season with 11 pitchers on a 24-man roster. The club must play one man short while catcher Miguel Olivo serves a five-game suspension stemming from an on-field fight last September while a member of the Florida Marlins.
Olivo’s suspension is under appeal and could be reduced or rescinded before next Monday’s season opener in Detroit.
An 11-man staff will include a six-man bullpen that, by adding Ramirez, appears set. Other locks or near-locks are Joakim Soria, Ron Mahay, Yasuhiko Yabuta, Jimmy Gobble and Nuñez.
“Barring injuries,” Hillman said, “you can probably figure it out. There are not going to be any major surprises, but I’m hesitant to start listing names because we’ve still got a couple of games left.”
Such a unit would force Joel Peralta and Neal Musser, who both have options, to the minors. Veteran Hideo Nomo, in camp on a minor-league contract, is battling a strained groin.
The Royals will add a seventh reliever once their roster returns to 25 players.
Time finally ran out on De La Rosa, who displayed his careerlong inconsistency this spring by allowing 13 runs and 18 hits in 12 1/3 innings. He was 8-12 with a 5.82 ERA last season in 26 games, including 23 starts.
“I love the stuff,” Hillman said. “I’d just like to see more consistency from it. We see other guys more able to repeat their deliveries. More strikes is the bottom line.”
De La Rosa is out of options, which means he must clear waivers to be sent to the minors. He also has the option of becoming a free agent, rather than accept a minor-league assignment, if he clears waivers.
“It’s disappointing,” he said, “but I know I didn’t pitch real well.”