For the second year in a row, rain has forced the cancellation of the Surprise Stadium Fan Fest at Surprise Stadium, spring training home of the Kansas City Royals. This the second day in a row the Kansas City players have had to practice hitting inside.
The biggest note of the weekend has to be Kansas City agreeing to one year contracts with pitcher Henry Barrera, Kevin Pucetas, Everett Teaford, and Kanokea Texeira. In addition, catcher Lucas May, and infielders Mike Aviles and Alcides Escobar also agreed to contracts as well. Pucetas was acquired from the San Francisco Giants at the end of the season, while Escobar was part of the Zack Greinke trade. The other five were part of the Royals organization last season.
Previously on Friday, Nathan Adcock, Jesse Chavez, Clint Robinson, Derrick Robinson, and David Lough agreed to term on one year contract deals. Chavez came over along with Tim Collins as the deadline last season in a trade with the Atlanta Braves. Adcock, meanwhile, was the Royals Rule V draft pick this offseason from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Adcock and Chavez likely have the best chance of breaking camp with Kansas City, while the other three will be dispersed with the upper minor league affiliates.
Other Spring Training Notes from the weekend-
Catcher Salvador Perez has been surprising some in Royals camp with his level of play thus far. Just 20 years old, Perez is a 6'3" 230 lb catcher from Venezuela who is likely going to start at AA Northwest Arkansas, but eventually could be the Royals catcher of the future now that Wil Myers has moved to the outfield.
A darkhorse candidate for the Royals if outfielder Brett Carroll. Carroll came over as a free agent from the Floria Marlins this winter and is the only non-roster outfielder who was invited to Spring Training with the big league club.
The Kansas City Star broke down the Royals rotation and separated the starters into three categories. It's hard not to agree with where they place the players at currently, but the third section is the one to pay most attention to. Although it is surprising to see Teaford listed in the third category and not at least mixed in with the second group.
Ned Yost spoke to the the media yesterday after workouts and gave his thoughts thus far.
Talented Royals prospect Eric Hosmer also talked about his experiences so far in Royals spring training and about what he has been doing this offseason.
And with that we are officially 7 days away from the first game.