ChiefsPlanet - Dutton: Royals conclude spring, set 25 man roster

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...s/14242916.htm

Royals fall to Astros
Team concludes exhibition season

By BOB DUTTON
The Kansas City Star

HOUSTON — The Cactus League title meant so much to Royals manager Buddy Bell that he kept a couple of regulars on the bench Saturday night and began substituting for others in the third inning.

Astros right-hander Taylor Buchholz then rolled through seven shutout innings before the Royals stirred to life against relievers Mike Gallo and Fernando Nieve. Too late. Houston held on for a 6-4 victory at Minute Maid Park.

That was it. The 162-game regular season begins Monday when the Royals meet the Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium.

Everyone seems ready.

“Thank God,” first baseman Matt Stairs summed up, “spring training is over.”

Saturday’s loss meant the Royals closed the spring at 17-10-2 and did jeopardize those Cactus League title hopes. The Angels can finish on top by winning late Saturday and today against the Dodgers.

The Royals still win the crown for the second time in four years if the Angels lose either game.

Royals starter Jeremy Affeldt worked an inconsistent five innings that included five runs and six hits but four strikeouts and just one walk. Steve Stemle gave up one run, on a homer by Eric Munson, in his only inning.

“I thought Jeremy was good,” Bell said. “He had that one (bad) inning. But he had that rough spot and settled back in.”

Several minor-leaguers, brought along for the two weekend games, fueled the comeback.

Redman, MacDougal to DL

Zack Greinke isn’t the only Royals pitcher headed to the disabled list. The Royals also placed Mark Redman and Mike MacDougal on the 15-day disabled list.

Redman is expected to return in roughly a month after undergoing arthroscopic surgery March 6 to repair torn cartilage in his left knee.

MacDougal isn’t anticipated to return until mid to late May from a strained right shoulder.

Stemle selected

Right-hander Stemle won the final bullpen job over Joel Peralta and Shane Andrade.

“I had no idea of what to expect,” Stemle said. “I knew I was close. I’m just really happy.”

Peralta was optioned to the Omaha. Andrade was designated for assignment and, as a Rule 5 pick, must be traded or put on waivers. If he goes unclaimed, he must be offered back to Toronto for $25,000 before he can be sent to the minors.

“I just like Stemle’s ability to throw strikes and keep the ball down,” Bell said. “We liked him last year before he got hurt, and we saw the same guy in spring training.”

The move to designate Andrade created space on the 40-man roster to add Stemle, who was in camp on a minor-league contract.

Minor moves

■ Right-hander Runelvys Hernandez was optioned to Omaha instead of being placed on the disabled list. He was demoted earlier last week from No. 2 to No. 5 starter because of stamina and conditioning concerns. The Royals plan to open the season with a four-man rotation because of open dates in the schedule. Hernandez is expected to return April 14 when they switch to a five-man rotation.

■ Outfielder Chip Ambres chose to remain with the Royals by accepting an outright assignment to Omaha after clearing waivers. He had the option of becoming a free agent.

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And so... now we can figure out the opening day roster.

25-man roster

C John Buck
C Paul Bako

1B Mike Sweeney
1B Doug Mientkiewicz
1B Matt Stairs
2B Mark Grudzielanek
SS Angel Berroa
3B Mark Teahen
IF Tony Graffanino
IF/OF Esteban German

OF Emil Brown
OF David DeJesus
OF Reggie Sanders
OF Shane Costa

SP Scott Elarton
SP Joe Mays
SP Jeremy Affeldt
SP Denny Bautista
(R. Hernandez to be 5th starter)

RP Elmer Dessens
RP Mike Wood
RP Luke Hudson
RP Steve Stemle
RP Jimmy Gobble
RP Andrew Sisco
CL Ambiorix Burgos

15-Day DL: Mark Redman, Mike McDougal
60-Day DL: Zack Greinke, Bobby Madritsch
AAA: Runelvys Hernandez, Joel Peralta, Chip Ambres