Post by manny27 on May 18, 2008 16:06:51 GMT -5
Kansas City, MO
After two successful campaigns in the American League Central, the Kansas City Royals find themselves in situation of change. The team has given their right infield to Ronald Hinderliter at second, and Travis Ishikawa at first. The moves instantly makes the defense better, but what about experience? Both youngsters were hard to keep in AAA as they were both killing the ball. " Ronald and Travis were hitting line drives against some of the best pitching in the minors. We had to bring them up and let them continue to improve. We didn't want to hold them back, and they are both proving that they can handle the pressures of the majors." said manager Tony Pena. He added., " We know we are a good club, and these guys just want to be here and show their stuff. It makes everyone else better with the energy that two youngsters bring to the club." Pena has also been very pleased with the early performance of young catchers Justin Huber and Brian McCann. " One of the luxuries we knew we would have going into the spring. We're excited about our club...very young and really hungry." Pena who was an all star catcher in his day has continued to receive excellent marks for handling a young team, and an inexpensive one at that.
The Royals contnue to tinker with the starting rotation and the rotation has improved over the last few days. Aaron Harang had a great outing his first time out, and will look to continue his work with Royals pitching coach Paul Splittorff. Splittorff, the winningest pitcher in Royals history is known for his "lefty" approach with coaching, working his right handed pitchers into a "crafty" mindset. It has has positive results with Kevin Millwood, Vlad Nunez and of course, Jeremy Affeldt, who has been working with the Royals legend for 5 years.
After two successful campaigns in the American League Central, the Kansas City Royals find themselves in situation of change. The team has given their right infield to Ronald Hinderliter at second, and Travis Ishikawa at first. The moves instantly makes the defense better, but what about experience? Both youngsters were hard to keep in AAA as they were both killing the ball. " Ronald and Travis were hitting line drives against some of the best pitching in the minors. We had to bring them up and let them continue to improve. We didn't want to hold them back, and they are both proving that they can handle the pressures of the majors." said manager Tony Pena. He added., " We know we are a good club, and these guys just want to be here and show their stuff. It makes everyone else better with the energy that two youngsters bring to the club." Pena has also been very pleased with the early performance of young catchers Justin Huber and Brian McCann. " One of the luxuries we knew we would have going into the spring. We're excited about our club...very young and really hungry." Pena who was an all star catcher in his day has continued to receive excellent marks for handling a young team, and an inexpensive one at that.
The Royals contnue to tinker with the starting rotation and the rotation has improved over the last few days. Aaron Harang had a great outing his first time out, and will look to continue his work with Royals pitching coach Paul Splittorff. Splittorff, the winningest pitcher in Royals history is known for his "lefty" approach with coaching, working his right handed pitchers into a "crafty" mindset. It has has positive results with Kevin Millwood, Vlad Nunez and of course, Jeremy Affeldt, who has been working with the Royals legend for 5 years.