Monday, May 21: 440

Tuesday, May 22: 440

Wednesday, May 23: 442

Thursday, May 24:  Off day

Friday, May 25: 441

Saturday, May 26: 443

Sunday, May 27: 443

As part of an on-going effort to honor active and retired members of the United States Armed Forces, the Kansas City Royals have launched www.royals.com/military.  This page, an extension of the Royals official website, offers content dedicated to the club’s extensive military outreach efforts. 

Visitors to the page can read and view military-specific content, including videos and photo galleries.  The page also outlines special offers exclusively for military members, such as the club’s Uniformed Heroes ticket discount program courtesy of the National World War I Museum and information on military group outings and color guard pregame ceremonies.  The site also highlights additional military outreach efforts including Armed Forces Day presented by Budweiser and the National WWI Museum, the Royals Troopers program presented by John Deere, and Royals Charities support of military programs.

Fans can visit www.royals.com/military to learn more about the new Walk-Off A Hero in-game military tribute in which the Royals and Budweiser salute a member of the military at each weekend home game throughout the season. 

Military members visiting the site will also find a special discount code to sign up for the All-Star Charity 5K & Fun Run presented by Nike set for Sunday, July 8 in downtown Kansas City.   Please note that the discount code is valid until June 1.

Royals manager, Ned Yost, met with the media this morning and the topic of discussion was pitching. “People have to realize that these guys aren’t robots. They are going to have good days and bad days and our guys are going to have a lot more good days than bad days, but they are going to come in and have days when they are going to get hit,” said Yost. Nate Adcock will be the starting pitcher this afternoon in the final game of the Arizona series.  Yost said. “He has great natural movement on his fastball and his slider and changeup have improved from last year. So the key to him is throwing strikes, keeping the ball down and staying ahead in the count and he has been doing that all year.”

Alex Gordon, Jeff Francouer and Eric Hosmer have been struggling at the plate. Yost said “They are just off on their timing and late on fastballs and as soon as they can get themselves back on that fastball that is when they will take off.”  Yost has never worried about Hosmer losing his confidence during his hitting slump. “I don’t think he will ever lose his confidence. He got a little frustrated when we sat him down those two days, but confidence was not an issue,” said Yost. Hosmer just needed to have a two-day rest period where he could catch his breath and clear his mind.

Salvador Perez was the first topic of discussion when Manager Ned Yost met with the media this afternoon.  Yost said he took batting practice on the field for the first time yesterday, although he had been hitting in the cages for a while.  Sal also caught his first bullpen session yesterday and was doing so during the media meeting as well.  Yost said he is close to being ready to go and when he is they will send him down for a spring training type progression to get him on his way back up to the big league club in K.C.  He said Sal is very ready to get going and it will be nice to have him back.  Yost also said injured infielder Yuniesky Betancourt will most likely be headed out on a rehab assignment following the upcoming series in New York.

The media next brought up the Royals’ bullpen and who would be available tonight.  Yost said that it would be all hands on deck and everyone would be available tonight to go out of the pen.  Everett Teaford, who was originally slated to start tomorrow’s game, was going to also be available out of the pen tonight if absolutely needed.  Both of those plans changed shortly after Yost’s media meeting, however.  The Royals placed Teaford on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 18 with a lower abdominal strain. Therefore, he will not be available tonight or tomorrow and with the move they have recalled right hander Nate Adcock from Omaha to replace the injured Teaford.  Adcock will be the starting pitcher tomorrow in the series finale with the Diamondbacks.

The hot topic of discussion when the media met with Ned Yost was how there will be two Tommy John surgeries that will be taking place in the next two weeks, Danny Duffy and Blake Wood. Yost stated, “Once a player gets to the big leagues and then has Tommy John, his percentages of making it back are a lot higher than a minor leaguer having to go through Tommy John and never making it to the big leagues.” Yost said, “We look for both of these guys to come back to be as strong as they were or even strong than they were.”

The lineup had some new changes for the first game of the Arizona series. Tonight, Alcides Escobar will be the leadoff hitter for the Royals. “He has been swinging the bat well and getting on base,” said Yost. Yost also had another shift in the lineup, which involved Johnny Giavotella. “We decided to move Giavotella further down on the lineup to see if we could pick up some runs with his bat,” said Yost. Jarrod Dyson is getting a break tonight against the lefty Joe Saunders and will be back on the lineup tomorrow along with Eric Hosmer and Chris Getz.

Luis Mendoza will be the starting pitcher tonight for the Royals. He has had a couple good starts and a couple bad starts, but his last two outings have been very good. “On a given day pitchers go out and compete with what they have and the last two (times) he has been really good,” said Yost. Mendoza is now on a regular five-day rotation after he picked up for Duffy on Sunday.

Manager Ned Yost spoke about having a day game directly after a long night game like last night first when he met with the media this morning.  Yost said he does not mind having a day game after a night game like this, especially after the one they had last night.  He added it is good to get going out here early because you do not want to sit around all day waiting on a night game, dwelling on what happened the night before.  In the Royals’ case, the 15 inning heartbreaker suffered last night.  Yost said he prefers day games over night games in general and especially on getaway days.  Although this is not necessarily a getaway day for Kansas City as they stay home for the weekend, but it is for Baltimore and he said it is good for both clubs either way.

Eric Hosmer was the next topic brought up in Yost’s meeting with the media.   He said Hos has been really grinding through his slump and trying to stay positive, but he will relax a little bit and clear his mind with his off days today and tomorrow.  He went on to say normally in these cases you just get into the cage and hammer it out, but he has been doing that, but the results are not showing in the game.  Yost said basically he just is not hitting in a lot of luck right now and lining out or hitting the ball hard right at people.  It will be a good chance to clear his head for a couple days and be ready to go on Saturday.  Yost said it is more of a mental break for him and they do not really even want him in the cage during it.   They just want him to relax and clear his head then get back after it Saturday.  He said when you are struggling you are obviously not going to get back to a high average quickly, instead you just have to take it one day at a time and a lot of times simply let the game come to you instead of always trying to go out and get it and press.  Yost said he has confidence Hosmer will make the adjustments and break out of his slump.  He said that Hos has all the natural abilities and talent, but sometimes he is just trying to hard when a lot of times you just need to play the game.  He said going through tough times provides experience and Hosmer will grow from this and be just fine.

Ned Yost met with the media this afternoon and a hot topic of discussion was Eric Hosmer. A question was asked about Hosmer’s solid defense at first base and Yost immediately mentioned his offense as well, “Hosmer is swinging the bat very well and he’s not getting much to show for it. This kid has probably got 17, 18 lineouts which is the difference between hitting .170 and .450. He is very unlucky right now.” Hosmer found two holes last night against Texas for a single and a double, so hopefully his luck is turning for the good. Yost discussed how Hosmer has an advanced maturity for his age and he has not let this rough patch freak him out. “He has done a really good job controlling his emotions and not losing his confidence in his abilities,” said Yost.

Jarrod Dyson is starting to understand what his tools are and use them to the best of his ability and he is doing a great job with it in the leadoff spot getting on base and scoring runs. “There is a huge difference in his approach and the way he is playing the game now compared to any time he came up last year,” said Yost.

The Royals played very well in Chicago, but they lost the first game 5-0. Yost said, “I don’t know why we haven’t played good after an off-day or rainout.” After that loss they came back the next day and won 5-0 and then played a great game on Sunday. Everybody felt good going into Texas knowing they were gaining some momentum and that carried over into a two-game sweep over the Rangers.

The Royals today announced that the organization has promoted outfielder Wil Myers and right-handed pitcher Jake Odorizzi from Northwest Arkansas (AA) to Omaha (AAA).  Both players will join the Storm Chasers when they return to action tomorrow to host Tacoma at Werner Park.

Myers, 21, has dominated the Texas League from the outset, departing the league as its leader in hitting (.343), slugging (.731), OPS (1.146), tied for the top spot in total bases (98), ranking tied for second in home runs (13) and third in RBI (37).  He has homered six times in his last 10 games.  Myers was Kansas City’s third round pick in the 2009 First Year Player Draft and got his first taste of big league spring training as a non-roster invitee earlier this year.

Odorizzi, 22, leaves Northwest Arkansas with a 4-2 record and 3.32 ERA in seven starts.  He is second in the Texas League in strikeouts (47) and fourth in WHIP (0.97).  He has been most impressive over his last four starts, going 3-1 with a 1.98 ERA, allowing six earned runs in 27.1 innings for a 1.98 ERA while fanning 33.  Odorizzi has limited opposing hitters to a collective .191 batting average through his first seven assignments.  He was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers on December 19, 2010, along with Lorenzo Cain, Alcides Escobar and Jeremy Jeffress in exchange for Zack Greinke and Yuniesky Betancourt.  Odorizzi was the 32nd overall pick of the Brewers in the 2008 First Year Player Draft and he also had a taste of big league spring training this year as a non-roster invitee.

Hall of Famer George Brett is celebrating a birthday – the third baseman was born in West Virginia on this day in 1953.  Brett’s number is one of four retired by the Royals, including Jackie Robinson’s 42.  Today, we take a look at the history of number 5:

The first person to wear number 5 was Owen “Red” Friend (pictured at right), a coach under manager Joe Gordon on the inaugural 1969 Royals.  Number 5 stayed in the coaching fraternity at the start of 1970 with Dan Carnevale, a member of Charlie Metro’s staff.   Coach George Strickland was added to the staff when his former Cleveland teammate, Bob Lemon, replaced Metro as manager on June 9.  Strickland wore 5 for part of 1970.  (According to Baseball-Reference.com, Strickland’s final three numbers as a player were, fittingly: 2, 3 and 4.)

Strickland continued to wear “cinco” in 1971, though outfielder Ted Savage became the first player to don the number during a short 19-game stint with the club.

In 1972, the Royals had an All-Star wearing number 5 for the first time as Richie Scheinblum (left) represented the club in Atlanta.  Scheinblum was traded to Cincinnati in the offseason as part of a four-player trade that brought Hal McRae to Kansas City (we’ll save the history of number 11 for another day).  The number became available, so Tom Poquette wore 5 for a short time in 1973.  Scheinblum wore the number again after being reacquired from California in 1974.

As for Brett, he debuted on August 2, 1973 wearing number 25.  He would wear 25 for the remainder of 1973 and through 1974.  In 1975, Brett switched to number 5, and the rest is history.

One additional note…veteran George Scott played part of 1979 with the Royals (he began the year with Boston and went on to finish the season with the Yankees).  Scott was acquired from Boston on June 13, 1979 for the aforementioned Tom Poquette.  The Royals and Red Sox were in the middle of a three-game set at Royals Stadium, so the players simply went to the other clubhouse.  Scott, a former Gold Glove winner and All-Star, had donned number 5 for most of his Major League career.  The number was Brett’s in Kansas City, so Scott became the only player (to date) in franchise history to wear…0.

 Kansas City Royals fans will get their first glimpse of Interleague Play when the club returns to Kauffman Stadium for a five-game homestand, May 16-20.  The Royals open the homestand with a short two-game series against the Baltimore Orioles, current leaders of the American League East, before opening Interleague Play with a three-game weekend set against the reigning National League West champion Arizona Diamondbacks.

The homestand features a number of great giveaways and promotions, including an All-Star Garden Gnome giveaway and special events such as School Day at The K and Bark at the Park.  Fans can also enjoy a Fireworks Friday and Buck Night on Friday, May 18. 

Wednesday, May 16 – Baltimore Orioles vs. Royals, 7:10 p.m.

INK Student Night – Rivals Outfield Box or Hy-Vee Infield tickets are available for all Wednesday home games for high school and college students with valid ID at the Kauffman Stadium Box Office for just $7.  Seating is subject to availability.  All Student Nights include a $7 hot dog and beverage special at the Boulevard Grill in the Outfield Experience. 
INK Local Music Showcase – Catch a free pregame concert on us.  Every Wednesday INK Student Night also features live local music prior to the game in the Outfield Experience.  Oriole Post will be performing prior to the Orioles-Royals game.  For details, visit www.royals.com/studentnight.
·         Spring Play Pack for $25 – Purchase a Spring Play Pack and receive two Field Plaza tickets with $5 in loaded value per ticket for concessions and merchandise.  The package also includes two Play Passes for access to free unlimited games in the Outfield Experience to use day of game – over an $80 value – all for just $25! www.royals.com/playpack.

·         Youth Night – Hy-Vee Infield tickets are just $7 for youth 14 and under with an adult ticket.  www.royals.com/fanvalue.

Thursday, May 17 – Baltimore Orioles vs. Royals, 1:10 p.m.

·         School Day at The K presented by Fox 4 – The Royals and FOX 4 WDAF-TV welcome students to the largest education field trip in Kansas City.  Gates open at 8:30 a.m. with the presentation scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.  For tickets, call (816) 504-4040, option 4, or visit www.royals.com/schoolday.

Friday, May 18 – Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Royals, 7:10 p.m.

·         Fireworks Friday – A spectacular fireworks show after every Friday home game, presented by Hy-Vee and Pepsi.

·         Buck Night – Hot dogs, small Pepsi products and peanuts are just $1 each all night long.  www.royals.com/fanvalue.

·         Royal Blue Balloting Day – The Royals host a Royal Blue Balloting Day in conjunction with the “Crown a Royal” campaign.  Fans are encouraged to vote for a chance to win great prizes, including the opportunity to represent all Royals fans as the first fan to enter MLB All-Star FanFest on Friday, July 6.  The first 200 fans to complete at least 100 ballots on Friday receive an All-Star balloting sticker and royal blue Mardi Gras beads.  Visit the official All-Star Balloting Station located at Gate E.  www.royals.com/vote. 

·         Raytown Night – The Royals partner with the Raytown Area Chamber of Commerce for an exclusive offer for Raytown family and friends.  To join the Royals and the Raytown community at the ballpark, purchase tickets by calling (816) 504-4167.

Saturday, May 19 – Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Royals, 6:15 p.m.

·         Meet Gordon at Rally House – Outfielder Alex Gordon will meet fans and sign autographs from 11 a.m. to noon at the Rally House: Independence Superstore, located in from of Independence Cancer at 18701 E. 39th St. in Independence, Mo.

·         All-Star Garden Gnome – Celebrate spring and the upcoming MLB All-Star Game with a festive All-Star Garden Gnome.  The gnome will be available to the first 10,000 fans courtesy of Pepsi.

·         610 Saturday – Enjoy great activities and music from Synematix DVJ’s prior to the game in the Outfield Experience.  www.royals.com/610saturdays.

·         Royal Blue Balloting Day – Fans are encouraged to vote as part of the “Crown a Royal” campaign.  The first 200 fans to complete at least 100 ballots receive an All-Star balloting sticker and royal blue Mardi Gras beads.  www.royals.com/vote.   

Sunday, May 20 – Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Royals, 1:10 p.m.

·         Bark at the Park – The Royals host the fourth annual Bark at the Park presented by Bayer K9 Advantix II during the homestand finale.   Reserve your seats – all tickets to sit with your canine must be purchased in advance – by visiting www.royals.com/bark.  Each ticket package includes a canine bag dispenser courtesy of Bayer K9 Advantix and a donation to Wayside Waifs.  Prior to the game, fans can visit a number of vendors and activities set up in the Outfield Experience beginning at 11:30 a.m.  For more information and to purchase a package, visit www.royals.com/bark.

·         Family FunDay Sunday – Each Sunday home game features face painters, caricature and balloon artists and live family-friendly entertainment in the Outfield Experience courtesy of Radio Disney.  All-Day Play Passes for unlimited activities in the Outfield Experience are available for just $10.  New for 2012 is the Family FunDay Sunday 4-Packs that include four Hy-Vee Infield tickets, $10 in loaded value per ticket to use for concessions and merchandise, and four All-Day Play Passes for just $80!  www.royals.com/sunday. 

·         Royal Blue Balloting Day – Fans are encouraged to vote as part of the “Crown a Royal” campaign.  The first 200 fans to complete at least 100 ballots receive an All-Star balloting sticker and royal blue Mardi Gras beads.  www.royals.com/vote.   

·         Fun Run presented by Sprint – All fans can run the bases after the game (conditions permitting).

·         Spring Play Pack for $25 – Pack includes two tickets with $5 in loaded value per ticket and two Play Passes for unlimited games in the Outfield Experience for just $25! www.royals.com/playpack.

Fans may purchase tickets online at royals.com, by calling 1-800-6ROYALS, at area Hy-Vee stores or at the Kauffman Stadium Box Office.