Photos: Fans and scouts get a close view at Spring Training

Fans who have attended Spring Training in Surprise know that opportunities are abound to watch games and practices.  The Royals play several ‘B’ games against their complex counterparts, the Texas Rangers.  These games are not held at the stadium – instead they are on one of the practice fields at the complex.  The ‘B’ games and practices are free to attend and fans can usually stake claim to a location that is just off of the field. 

Today’s ‘B’ game featured Luke Hochevar, who was pushed back after yesterday’s regular game against the Giants was postponed.  Let’s take at a few of the things that happen at a ‘B’ game.

Scouts and baseball operations personnel are continuously tracking the progress of the players.  On the left, Senior Advisor to the General Manager and 2008 Royals Hall of Fame inductee Art Stewart surveys the action.  Rene Francisco, Kansas City’s Special Assistant to the General Manager/International Operations, is standing behind Stewart (to his right, our left).

The next photo shows General Manager Dayton Moore and Assistant General Manager-Scouting & Player Development J.J. Picollo.  The pair are speaking with Jon Daniels (center), the General Manager of the Rangers.

When the team goes to another complex for a game, a ‘travel roster’ is assembled.  For example, some of the pitchers are not going to throw in the regular game that day.  They stay behind in Surprise and spend time on other training activities, including strength and conditioning.  Here, Zack Greinke and Kyle Davies are taking in Hochevar’s outing.

‘B’ games also require coaches to take on different roles.  Trey Hillman served as the third base coach during today’s ‘B’ game.  This picture shows the close proximity of the bleachers for a ‘B’ game.

Former third baseman Joe Randa is in camp working with players.  Here he talks to John ‘Duke’ Wathan.  On the right, Randa lends his advice to Mike Moustakas.  Randa has mentored ‘Moose’ on multiple occasions since the Royals drafted Moustakas in 2007. 

Alex Gordon was busy with conditioning drills on a field near the ‘B’ game.  Alex broke his thumb on Saturday, however, he is working hard to stay in game shape.

Now you know about some of the other happenings at Spring Training besides the game that is on the schedule at royals.com.  We hope that you can make a trip to Spring Training in the near future!