The Royals announced their 25-man roster on Tuesday and first baseman/designated hitter Ken Harvey was not on it. At one point last season, Harvey was hitting .370 and was named to the American League All-Star squad. But he struggled this spring and hit just .239 with five RBI’s. He’ll start the season in Triple-A Omaha, while Calvin Pickering will be the designated hitter.
Perhaps the biggest surprise from Surprise this spring was non-roster invitee Emil Brown. The 30-year old hasn’t played in the majors since 2001 and has just 209 games worth of experience in the bigs with the Pirates and Padres. After going 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in yesterday’s 10-9 win over the Angels, Brown is hitting .434 and leads the team with 18 RBI’s this spring. That effort earned him the starting job in right. David DeJesus will start in center and Matt Stairs in left field.
In the infield, Mike Sweeney will go at first, Ruben Gotay at second, Angel Berroa at short and rookie Mark Teahen will play third. John Buck will be behind the plate.
The starting rotation will be Jose Lima, Zack Greinke, Runelvys Hernandez, Mike Anderson and Danny Bautista. Lima lasted four innigns and allowed two runs off seven hits and two walks, while striking out seven on Tuesday.
Jimmy Gobble was sent down to the minors along with outfielder Aaron Guiel. The Royals also cut veteran Kevin Appier who indicated that if he can’t start in the majors, he’ll retire.
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