Aaron Crow Introduced (photos)

Aaron Crow is a lifelong Royals fan whose dream has been to play in the big leagues for the Royals.  Today, he took a step toward that dream as he was introduced at an afternoon press conference. 

Crow is ready to get out onto the field, and he will have that opportunity soon as he will report to the Royals’ instructional league team in Arizona on Sunday.  Workouts begin on Monday.

He has stayed in shape with workouts, bullpen sessions, simulated games and side sessions.  Crow says that he is just older and wiser than last year.  His pitching repertoire is mainly a fastball and a sinker, with a slider and change-up mixed in.  He has worked a lot on improving his change-up over the last year.

When asked if the Major League contract put pressure on him, Aaron calmly said he doesn’t see it as pressure but a challenge. 

General Manager Dayton Moore said that the Royals will not put limitations on Aaron.  As a player in Major League camp, he will be given the opportunity to make the team out of Spring Training.  However, the overall goal is for Aaron to have a 15+ year career in the Majors.  Moore sees a tremendous competitor with great drive.

Assistant General Manager-Scouting & Player Development J.J. Picollo mentioned that signing the first-round pick was a priority.  He is anxious to get Crow into the mix.

Jose Guillen was placed on the 60-day D.L. to create a spot on the 40-man roster for Crow.