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Daily Clips

March 14, 2017

LOCAL

KC prospects Bonifacio, Dozier homer in win

March 13, 2017 By Thomas Harding/



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Young escapes jams in scoreless appearance

Veteran righty allowed four hits, one walk in three-plus innings

March 13, 2017 By Jeffrey Flanagan/



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Junis, Almonte, McCarthy, Duenez reassigned

March 13, 2017 By Jeffrey Flanagan/



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Salvy expected back in Royals camp soon

Signs positive regarding catcher's knee; club doles out Minors awards

March 13, 2017 By Jeffrey Flanagan/



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College hero Merrifield living out baseball dream

Royals infielder played key role in South Carolina's 2010 championship

March 13, 2017 By Fabian Ardaya/



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Jorge Bonifacio home run breaks tie in Royals’ 4-2 win over the Rockies

March 13, 2017 By Pete Grathoff/KC Star



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Royals catcher Salvador Perez’s return to camp pushed back as a precaution

March 13, 2017 By Pete Grathoff/KC Star



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Royals lefty Scott Alexander feeling much better after diabetes diagnosis last year

March 13, 2017 By Pete Grathoff/KC Star



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The Butera-Perez collision: Don’t blame Butera. Blame Perez’ teammates

March 13, 2017 By Lee Judge/KC Star



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MINORS

Dozier, Junis Earn Top Royals MiLB Honors

Dozier named Brett Hitter of the Year, Junis gets Paul Splittorff honor

March 13, 2017 By Andrew Green/Omaha Storm Chasers



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Royals Option 3 Pitchers To Omaha

Almonte, Junis & McCarthy optioned to Chasers roster by Royals

March 13, 2017 By Andrew Green/Omaha Storm Chasers



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Seven Naturals Claim Minor League Awards from Royals

General Manager Justin Cole and Manager Vance Wilson among those that were honored by Kansas City

March 13, 2017 Northwest Arkansas Naturals



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Former Demon Nick Heath honored by Royals organization

March 13, 2017 By Jason Pugh/Northwestern State



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MLB TRANSACTIONS

March 14, 2017 •.



LOCAL

KC prospects Bonifacio, Dozier homer in win

March 13, 2017 By Thomas Harding/



Jorge Bonifacio broke a tie with an eighth-inning leadoff homer and Hunter Dozier added a solo shot in the ninth to lift the Royals to a 4-2 victory over the Rockies in a Cactus League game Monday afternoon at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.

Bonifacio, No. 12 on MLBPipeline's top Royals prospects list, homered off Rockies righty reliever Luis Ramirez, while Dozier's homer, his second this spring, came off Scott Oberg.

The game featured three hits -- including two doubles -- from Rockies center fielder Charlie Blackmon and stingy starting pitching from the Rockies' Antonio Senzatela and the Royals' Chris Young.

"Lot of things to like," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "I liked the way C.Y. threw. I liked Boni hitting that game-winner. And I liked the fact that for the first time in a week, we played a clean game defensively."

Senzatela put himself squarely in the running for one of the two open rotation spots with 4 1/3 scoreless innings, during which he fanned four and gave up three hits. Senzatela has fanned eight in 7 1/3 innings over his past two outings.

"My fastball command was very good," Senzatela said. "When I have my fastball command, I have confidence."

Young, competing for the Royals' fifth rotation spot with right-hander Nathan Karns and lefty Travis Wood, escaped trouble and held the Rockies scoreless on four scattered hits, with one strikeout and one walk in 3 2/3 innings.

The Rockies' DJ LeMahieu knocked his second homer this spring -- the first was in a World Baseball Classic exhibition with Puerto Rico and therefore doesn't count in the Cactus League totals -- in the fifth off Wood.

Ramon Torres tied it in the seventh with a two-run single off Rockies reliever Adam Ottavino. Rockies bullpen prospect Rayan Gonzalez replaced Ottavino with two out and the bases loaded and got Peter O'Brien to fly out to right field.

Royals Up Next: Right-hander Ian Kennedy, likely the Royals' No. 2 starter, will take the mound as the Royals return to Surprise Stadium on Tuesday for a 3:05 p.m. CT game against the Angels on . Right-hander Peter Moylan will make his first appearance in the bullpen since returning from the World Baseball Classic after pitching for Australia.

Rockies Up Next: Righty Jon Gray, a prime candidate for the Opening Day start (manager Bud Black has not announced), will start against the Athletics at HoHoKam Park at 2:05 p.m. MT. Rotation hopeful Jeff Hoffman and bullpen competitor Carlos Estevez also are expected to pitch.

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Young escapes jams in scoreless appearance

Veteran righty allowed four hits, one walk in three-plus innings

March 13, 2017 By Jeffrey Flanagan/



The battle for the Royals' No. 5 spot in the rotation marched on Monday as two of the contestants -- right-hander Chris Young and left-hander Travis Wood -- made their third appearances of the spring.

Young had the upper hand this time, throwing 3 2/3 innings of scoreless ball. He gave up four hits, walked one and struck out one in the Royals' 4-2 win over the Rockies.

"I think my fastball command was better," Young said. "I threw some good pitches. Slider wasn't as sharp but that's what Spring Training is for, to try and get a feel for certain pitches and building up arm strength."

Young worked out of two tough spots. He had a runner on third and one out in the first but escaped further trouble, then worked around a leadoff double in the third.

"I made some good pitches in the first to get out of that and did the same thing in the third," Young said. "Fortunate that our guys made some good plays behind me."

Young doesn't view getting out of jams in Spring Training as anything necessary leading into the regular season.

"It's great to not be in those situations, too," Young said. "At this point, it just comes down to pitch selection and execution. You just try to make the best pitches you can. If you do that, you should have decent success."

Wood also threw 3 2/3 innings but gave up six hits and two runs.

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Junis, Almonte, McCarthy, Duenez reassigned

March 13, 2017 By Jeffrey Flanagan/



The Royals made more reassignments on Monday, sending four prospects to their Minor League camp and thus reducing their number of players in Major League camp to 51.

Royals manager Ned Yost said of those who were moved -- pitchers Jake Junis, Kevin McCarthy and Miguel Almonte, who were optioned to Triple-A Omaha, and first baseman Samir Duenez, who was optioned to Double-A -- he believes Junis and McCarthy could possibly help the big league team this season.

"Innings are getting short," Yost said. "I want guys who can possibly help us this year to get more innings right now. We're losing innings [as fewer Spring Training games remain]."

Yost got a good look at McCarthy last season, when McCarthy appeared in 10 games for the Royals and posted a 6.48 ERA. Yost liked what he saw this spring from him.

"Like I said, he can help us," Yost said.

This was Yost's first extended look at Junis, a right-hander who gave up 10 hits and nine runs in four appearances. He is ranked No. 6 among Royals prospects by .

"He just needs to work on consistency," Yost said. "Pitches are good, stuff is good. Just a young guy who is developing."

Almonte, once considered an ascending prospect, had a rough year in 2016 and was demoted from Triple-A to Double-A, posting a combined 5.92 ERA. But Almonte, ranked No. 17 in the organization, is only 23 and has time, as Yost pointed out, to figure things out.

"Good stuff. Same stuff," Yost said. "He just needs to continue to develop as a pitcher, get a little more on the attack."

Duenez, 20, is an ascending prospect (ranked No. 19) who was protected on the 40-man roster in the offseason. He was promoted twice last season and wound up at Double-A Northwest Arkansas -- combined he hit .284 with 13 homers and 100 RBIs.

"He was really impressive," Yost said. "Had a heck of a year last year and you can see why. His bat stays in the zone a long time. Needs to work on his defense."

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Salvy expected back in Royals camp soon

Signs positive regarding catcher's knee; club doles out Minors awards

March 13, 2017 By Jeffrey Flanagan/



All-Star catcher Salvador Perez, who injured his left knee in a collision with Royals teammate Drew Butera in a World Baseball Classic game Saturday, was expected to return to Arizona sometime late Monday.

Perez had to be helped off the field Saturday, but an MRI that night revealed only inflammation in the knee and no structural damage.

Perez, who will not play for Venezuela any more in the Classic this spring, originally was scheduled to be back at Royals camp Sunday night.

"The doctors didn't want him flying right away," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "There might be a little fluid on his knee. They wanted to give him a day for that to settle down."

Perez is expected to have a second MRI on Tuesday. The Royals' medical staff wants the second MRI as confirmation there are no lingering issues with Perez's knee.

"They're very cautious until they get their hands on him," Yost said. "It's all 95 percent positive, but they want to get their hands on him before they release that other five percent [that he's OK]."

Minor league awards

The Royals issued their annual Minor League awards Monday morning in a ceremony on the practice fields.

Right-hander Jake Junis won the Paul Splittorff Award as the top Minor League pitcher in the organization. He went 9-7 at Double-A Northwest Arkansas with a 3.25 ERA.

Outfielder Nick Heath, a 16th-round pick in the 2016 Draft, won the Willie Wilson Baserunner of the Year Award. He had 36 steals in the Pioneer League.

Right-hander Yender Caramo won the Carlos Fortuna Award as the player who most improved his English. Caramo, 25, remains in the Royals' big league camp and has impressed Royals coaches with a 0.00 ERA in five appearances.

Outfielder Logan Moon won the Mike Sweeney Award as the player who best represents the organization on and off the field.

Infielder/outfielder Hunter Dozier won the George Brett Hitter of the Year Award. Dozier, 25, slashed a .296/.366/.533 line between Omaha (Triple-A) and Northwest Arkansas (Double-A), setting career highs in runs (79), hits (144), doubles (44), home runs (23) and RBIs (75) in 2016.

Catcher Cameron Gallagher won the Frank White Defensive Player of the Year Award. Gallagher, 24, led Texas League catchers in total chances (713), putouts (648), assists (62), double plays (nine) and caught-stealing percentage (.476, 30 of 63 would-be basestealers).

Northwest Arkansas general manager Justin Cole won the Matt Minker Award as the outstanding Minor League affiliate employee.

Northwest Arkansas manager Vance Wilson won the Dick Howser Award as the organization's most outstanding player development person.

And finally, Special Assignment scout Mitch Webster won the Art Stewart Award as the organization's most outstanding scout.

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College hero Merrifield living out baseball dream

Royals infielder played key role in South Carolina's 2010 championship

March 13, 2017 By Fabian Ardaya/



It would be hard to script a better end to a college baseball career than Whit Merrifield's.

It was Merrifield who, as an infielder at South Carolina, laced a 2-0 fastball to right field in the 11th inning for a walk-off RBI single against UCLA in the final of the 2010 College World Series. That hit at Omaha's Rosenblatt Stadium delivered the Gamecocks' first national championship in baseball.

Merrifield and his team had a flair for the dramatic, leading to a wild title run even before the walk-off moment against the Bruins.

"It was a crazy run," Merrifield said. "We lost our very first game of the regional, so we had to fight back from that. We had two down-to-the-wire games in [the super regionals], and we lost the first game of the [College] World Series, so we had to win six in a row to win it. It was a crazy run, and that last at-bat just capped it off for me."

Nine players at Rosenblatt Stadium that night, including Jackie Bradley Jr., Gerrit Cole and Trevor Bauer, made it to the big leagues before Merrifield made his Major League debut with the Royals on May 18 of last year.

At 27 years old, he was older than most rookies breaking through, but he made an immediate impact, hitting .356 over his first 11 games in May. Then he belted a couple of home runs in his second month in the big leagues.

"It was definitely rewarding," Merrifield said. "For a lot of years, I thought that I could play in the big leagues. To finally get the opportunity, and to capitalize on it, it was huge for me. It gave me a lot of confidence."

His success tailed off in July, as he hit .170 in 53 at-bats before being optioned to Triple-A Omaha. However, his second stint in the Minors wouldn't last six years like his first. He was a September call-up, and hit .307 over his final 101 at-bats.

"It was pretty surreal," Merrifield said. "It was great to finally get a shot and come up with a team who is as close as this team and as good as this team is. The goal every day is to come and help the team win, and I hope to continue to do that."

This time, he's determined to stick around. Merrifield is mired in a four-man race during Spring Training for the starting job at second base, along with Christian Colon, Cheslor Cuthbert and Raul Mondesi. Of the three, only Merrifield posted an OPS above .700 last season.

Merrifield said he has benefitted greatly from having an experienced group of veterans surrounding him in the infield, including first baseman Eric Hosmer, shortstop Alcides Escobar and third baseman Mike Moustakas. Becoming a regular with that group, he said, will depend on him cleaning up his game and making big league plays look routine. "Spring is always a time to work on things and make every part of my game better," Merrifield said. "Whether it is jumps on the bases, double-play turns, driving the ball to the opposite field, just different things I work on each spring to become a complete player."

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Jorge Bonifacio home run breaks tie in Royals’ 4-2 win over the Rockies

March 13, 2017 By Pete Grathoff/KC Star



Outfielder Jorge Bonifacio is likely targeted to open the season at Class AAA Omaha, but he’s certainly made an impression on Royals manager Ned Yost in spring training.

“I thought last year he made big strides in spring training, had a really good year in Triple-A and showed up this year even better,” Yost said over the weekend. “He’s progressing quite nicely.”

On Monday, Bonifacio showed why he’s caught Yost’s eye when his home run against Luis Rivera in the eighth inning broke a tie and helped the Royals beat the Colorado Rockies 4-2.

Bonifacio, 23, is batting .455 (10 for 22) with three doubles, two home runs and six RBIs this spring. Last year at Class AAA Omaha, Bonifacio hit 19 homers with 22 doubles and 86 RBIs in 134 games.

“He’s a kid that has progressed well,” Yost said. “Is he a guy who could play in the big leagues right now? Absolutely. He just needs opportunity. It’s nice to have guys like that that we feel if something happened, we’re well-covered.”

Chris Young started for the Royals and allowed four hits and a walk in 3 2/3 scoreless innings.

“I threw some good pitches,” Young said. “Fastball command was better than my last two outings. Slider wasn’t as sharp, but that’s part of spring training. Pitches come and go and you try and get the feel for it and working through situations and building up arm strength. I like that I got through it.”

The Royals, 8-8, were down 2-0 when they tied it in the seventh against Adam Ottavino.

Cheslor Cuthbert hit a nubber in front of the plate and catcher Jan Vazquez’s throw to first was wild, allowing him to take second base. Cuthbert moved to third on a single by Whit Merrifield, who stole second. Both scored on a single by shortstop Ramon Torres.

Bonifacio opened the eighth inning with a homer, and Hunter Dozier cracked a solo shot with two outs in the ninth.

“I liked our pitching, I thought C.Y. was great, I thought Woody (Travis Wood) was good, Matt Strahm, a four-out save,” Yost said. “I liked the offense. I like the fact that for the first time in a week, we played a clean game defensively. That was good. There was a lot to like today.”

The regulars

Brandon Moss started in left field and was 0 for 3 with two strikeouts.

Right fielder Jorge Soler was 0 for 2 with a walk.

Mike Moustakas was the designated hitter and went 2 for 3 with a double.

The arms

Yender Caramo got one out in the fourth inning when he took over for Young. Caramo has made seven appearances this spring without allowing a run in 6 1/3 innings.

Wood, who is in contention for the fifth spot in the rotation, pitched 3 2/3 innings and gave up two runs and six hits with a walk and a strikeout.

The young guys

In addition to the two-run single, Torres made a nice relay throw home to get Tony Wolters trying to score on Stephen Cardullo’s double.

Raul Mondesi played in his first game since a collision at first base Friday against the A’s and was 1 for 3.

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Royals catcher Salvador Perez’s return to camp pushed back as a precaution

March 13, 2017 By Pete Grathoff/KC Star



Royals catcher Salvador Perez’s return to spring camp was pushed back a day as a precaution.

While catching for Team Venezuela at the World Baseball Classic on Saturday, Perez’s left knee was injured in a freak play at the plate involving Royals teammate Drew Butera, who is with Team Italy.

Perez needed assistance when he left the game, but tests performed in Mexico, where the game was played, showed inflammation but not any structural damage to the knee. Initially, Perez was expected to return to Arizona on Sunday, but that was pushed back.

“He’s flying in today,” manager Ned Yost said Monday. “The doctors didn’t want him flying right away, because there may be a little fluid on his knee and they wanted to give him a day to settle down before they flew him in here.”

Perez will undergo an MRI after returning to the Royals, but that won’t come until Tuesday at the earliest. The Royals training staff wants to make its own assessment.

“It’s 95 percent positive, but until they can get their hands on him (then) before they’ll release that last 5 percent.

Roster moves

The Royals on Monday optioned right-handed pitchers Miguel Almonte, Jake Junis and Kevin McCarthy to Class AAA Omaha. First baseman/outfielder was optioned to Samir Dueñez to Class AA Northwest Arkansas.

Dueñez hit .235 with a home run and four RBIs in eight spring-training games.

McCarthy was 1-0 this spring with a 1.80 ERA in five innings (five games) with five strikeouts and three walks. Junis had a 15.19 ERA, while Almonte with 12.60 ERA.

The Royals have 51 active players in major-league camp, not including left-hander Brian Flynn, who is on the 60-day disabled list.

Minor-league awards

The Royals held their annual minor-league awards ceremony Monday at spring training camp.

Logan Moon received the Mike Sweeney Award (player who best represents the organization on and off the field). Moon, who graduated from Blue Springs South in 2010, batted .254 at Northwest Arkansas.

Junis won the Paul Splittorff Award for top pitcher. Junis, 24, was Northwest Arkansas’ Pitcher of the Year last season when he had a 3.25 ERA. Junis finished the year with Omaha after his promotion on Aug. 8.

Nick Heath was given the Willie Wilson Baserunner of the Year. At Rookie Advanced Idaho Falls, Heath stole 36 bases, which led the Pioneer League.

Yender Cáramo was the recipient of the Carlos Fortuna Award (player who is dedicated to improving his English, work ethic and conduct). Cáramo had a 2.45 ERA last season in 34 appearances (10 starts) at Northwest Arkansas.

Hunter Dozier was the George Brett Hitter of the Year (top position player in the organization). Dozier hit .296 between Omaha and Northwest Arkansas, and had a career-best in runs (79), hits (144), doubles (44) home runs (23) and RBI (75). He made his major-league debut on Sept. 12.

Cameron Gallagher won the Frank White Defensive Player of the Year Award. Gallagher played 91 games at Northwest Arkansas in 2016, and made 79 starts at catcher. He led the Texas League in five categories, including caught-stealing percentage (.476, 30 of 63). Gallagher was added to the Royals’ 40-man roster after last season.

Northwest Arkansas general manager Justin Cole was given the Matt Minker Award (outstanding minor-league affiliate employee).

Naturals manager Vance Wilson received the Dick Howser Award (organization’s most outstanding player development person).

Special Assignment Scout Mitch Webster was the recipient of the Art Stewart Award (the organization’s most outstanding scout).

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Royals lefty Scott Alexander feeling much better after diabetes diagnosis last year

March 13, 2017 By Pete Grathoff/KC Star



Scott Alexander knew something was wrong. This wasn’t a sixth sense sort of thing, because the signs were impossible to miss.

Alexander felt them.

There was a time last summer when Alexander would have to use the bathroom seven or eight times a night. He would wake up thirsty and drink about a gallon of water. It was compounded by constant fatigue.

These things are abnormal for anyone, let alone a professional baseball player in his mid-20s.

Alexander got the answer in July when he was pitching for the Royals’ Class AAA affiliate in Omaha. While on a road trip in Des Moines, Iowa, Alexander felt so bad that the team suggested that he go back to Nebraska and get checked out.

He fasted for a blood-sugar blood test, and while an average person should have 100 milligrams per deciliter, Alexander was at 375. He had diabetes.

“I didn’t know anything about it,” Alexander admitted. “I didn’t know anything about diabetes and I didn’t even think that was an option, so I was kind of relieved to finally know how I can fix it now.”

That required a change in Alexander’s eating habits, which can be a daunting task. Often times, things that seem to be healthy foods can be loaded with sugar.

Fortunately for Alexander, he has a nutritionist he can talk with at any time — his fiancee, Kristin.

“On the home front, I can just be like, ‘Is this good?’ Or she’ll say, ‘You should try this, it’s good for you,’ ” Alexander said. “She took all these diabetic classes in college. She knows all about this stuff. She’s been a huge help.

“I had to basically eliminate a lot of carbs and sugars and stuff like that. It’s not really crazy things that I eat — it’s just more balanced meals and less processed.”

Some of the worst foods for a diabetic include candy, white bread and french fries. Giving up those things may seem like a big sacrifice, right?

“No, because the way I was feeling when I was eating it made me feel so bad, it wasn’t even like it was worth it,” Alexander said. “It’s easy to give something up like that. All the temptations I have for chocolate and things like that, just knowing that if I eat that how bad I’ll feel afterward. It makes it not that big a deal.”

Alexander’s performance improved almost immediately. In his next six appearances for Omaha, he allowed four hits and just one run over 7 1/3 innings. A left-hander, Alexander was recalled by the Royals on Aug. 31 and finished the season with eight scoreless appearances.

This spring, Alexander, 27, has allowed just one unearned run and four hits with six strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings in six games. Manager Ned Yost said Alexander is one of the most fit players in camp, and he’s right in the mix for a bullpen spot.

“The thing about Scott is he neutralizes right-handed hitting with that heavy sinker,” Yost said. “He does a great job of it. Again, we’ve got three weeks to figure it out, but he’s been impressive.”

While he’s appeared in 21 big-league games over the previous two seasons, Alexander said this is the first time he’s been at spring training with a chance to open the season with the Royals.

He is eager to make the most of his opportunity, even if the competition is stiff.

“So far, I’m just trying to go out there and throw strikes and compete,” Alexander said. “I can’t really control anything else that happens. That’s all I’m really focused on. I’ve got a lot to worry about, I’ve got myself to get ready, so that’s plenty enough to worry about.”

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The Butera-Perez collision: Don’t blame Butera. Blame Perez’ teammates

March 13, 2017 By Lee Judge/KC Star



If you’re a Royals fan you probably already know Royals catcher Drew Butera ran into Royals catcher Salvador Perez, which would be a highly unlikely combination except Drew was playing for Italy and Salvy was playing for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.

Drew rolled into one of Salvy’s knees on a play at the plate, and since then there have been a lot of jokes about Drew’s unorthodox bid for more playing time.

But Drew didn’t cause the collision; that responsibility falls on Salvy’s teammates.

What’s supposed to happen on a play at the plate

When there’s a play at the plate the catcher is supposed to put his left foot on the left-field foul line with his toes pointed at third base. That positioning means the catcher is not totally blocking the plate; with the catcher’s left foot on the line, the back half of the plate is open and that gives the runner somewhere to go.

If everything goes right the catcher receives the ball and then turns to his left to make the tag. There might be a collision, but it won’t be a head-on collision.

What happened on the Butera-Perez play at the plate

The Venezuela defense messed up in a variety of ways and those mistakes put Salvy in harm’s way.

1. For starters, the pitcher was in the wrong spot; instead of backing up home plate he stayed on the mound watching the play and that was step one in screwing up the play.

2. The first baseman was also in the wrong spot; he should have been headed to the mound area to act as the cutoff man, but instead he was loitering at first base. Position players often refer to pitchers as “non-athletes” and run them off every play they can, but because the pitcher didn’t back up home plate and the first baseman didn’t cover the mound and run the pitcher off the play, the pitcher was available to mess things up.

3. The center fielder overthrew the shortstop, who was the relay man. Drew was just rounding third when the ball came into the infield and if the center fielder had hit the cutoff man and the cutoff man had made an accurate throw home Drew would have been out easily with no collision.

4. The overthrow meant the ball was bouncing across the infield and the out-of-position pitcher decided to make a play. If the pitcher caught the ball cleanly and made an accurate throw, Drew would have once again been out easily. But the pitcher dropped the ball (which is why you run him off the play) and that meant the pitcher had to pick it up and rush his throw.

5. The pitcher then made a panicked, falling-down, off-target throw and the throw pulled Salvy up the base line and into the base path. Instead of having his left foot on the third-base line Salvy had his right foot on the third-base line, and that blocked Drew’s path to the plate.

Because the ball was mishandled the play became a close one, and when Drew started what looked like a clumsy attempt at a head-first slide, he rolled into Salvy’s knee.

Three guys caused one collision

So if the center fielder had hit the relay man and the relay man had made an accurate throw, Drew would have been out easily — no collision.

If the pitcher hadn’t dropped the ball or made an accurate throw Drew would have been out easily — no collision.

If the first baseman had done his job, covered the mound area and run the pitcher off the play he had a better chance of catching the ball cleanly and making an accurate throw; once again, Drew would have been out easily — no collision.

So if you’re going to blame someone for that play at the plate don’t blame Drew, blame Salvy’s teammates.

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MINORS

Dozier, Junis Earn Top Royals MiLB Honors

Dozier named Brett Hitter of the Year, Junis gets Paul Splittorff honor

March 13, 2017 By Andrew Green/Omaha Storm Chasers



The Kansas City Royals on Monday announced the winners of their minor league honors from the 2016 season, with a trio of Storm Chasers players from last year recognized.Infielder/outfielder Hunter Dozier was tabbed the George Brett Hitter of the Year, while right-hander Jake Junis earned Paul Splittorff Award honors and righty Yender Caramo received the Carlos Fortuna Award.

Dozier played in 129 games between Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Omaha in 2016, combining for a .296 average (144-486), adding 79 runs, 44 doubles, one triple, 23 homers and 75 RBI. He paced all Royals farmhands in home runs, in addition to ranking fourth in RBI, in addition to placing second in the Pacific Coast League with 36 doubles despite playing the first month of the year in the Texas League.

The 25-year-old's contract was selected by the Royals on September 1 before going on to make his Major League debut 11 days later versus the Oakland Athletics. In eight Major League contests he posted a .211 mark (4-19) with four runs, one double and one RBI. Dozier was selected by Kansas City in the first round of the 2013 MLB Draft as the eighth overall pick out of Stephen F. Austin University.

Junis recorded a 10-10 clip and 4.05 ERA (67 ER/149.0 IP) in 27 starts between Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Omaha. In 21 outings with the Naturals he compiled a 9-7 tally and 3.25 ERA (43 ER/119.0 IP), along with 117 strikeouts. He finished the year tied for first among Royals minor league hurlers in wins along with right-hander Corey Ray, as well as second in that group in strikeouts (143) behind only right-hander Josh Staumont (167).

The 24-year-old finished the 2016 campaign with the Storm Chasers, and is poised to begin 2017 with the club after being optioned to Omaha's roster earlier Monday by the Royals. He was selected by Kansas City in the 29th round of the 2011 MLB Draft out of Rock Falls High School in Illinois.

Caramo, 25, pitched all but one of his outings in the 2016 season with Double-A Northwest Arkansas, combining for a 6-7 record and 2.98 ERA (32 ER/117.2 IP) in 35 outings (ten starts) between the Naturals and Storm Chasers. He earned the win in his Triple-A debut and only appearance with Omaha with 3.2 frames of one-run ball on July 7 at Oklahoma City.

He received the Carlos Fortuna Award, which is given to "a player who is dedicated to improving his English, work ethic and conduct" per the Royals' release. Caramo was signed by Kansas City as a non-drafted free agent out of Venezuela on November 22, 2010.

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Royals Option 3 Pitchers To Omaha

Almonte, Junis & McCarthy optioned to Chasers roster by Royals

March 13, 2017 By Andrew Green/Omaha Storm Chasers



The Kansas City Royals announced on Monday they have optioned right-handered pitchers Miguel Almonte, Jake Junis and Kevin McCarthy to the Storm Chasers' roster. All three pitched for Omaha at some point during the 2016 campaign, totaling 52 appearances between the trio.

Almonte was the Storm Chasers' Opening Day starter in 2016, though he struggled in his 21 outings (12 starts), recording a 3-7 mark and 5.55 ERA (37 ER/60.0 IP), adding 57 strikeouts. He was transferred to Double-A Northwest Arkansas to finish the year, tallying a 2-1 mark and 7.31 ERA (13 ER/16.0 IP) in 11 relief appearances.

Rated the 25th-best prospect in the Royals system by Baseball America, Almonte will look to bounce back in 2017. The 23-year-old made his Major League debut with the Royals on September 1, 2015, and was signed by Kansas City as a non-drafted free agent on November 20, 2010. He appeared in five Cactus League contests for the Royals, posting no record and 12.60 ERA (7 ER/5.0 IP).

Junis was optioned Monday morning before later being announced as the Royals' 2016 Paul Splittorff Award recipient, given to the organization's top pitcher. The 24-year-old combined for a 10-10 record and 4.05 ERA (67 ER/149.0 IP) over 27 starts, adding 143 punchouts. He finished tied for first among Royals minor league hurlers in wins, in addition to second in strikeouts behind only Josh Staumont.

He completed the 2016 campaign with the Storm Chasers, compiling a 1-3 mark and 7.20 ERA (24 ER/30.0 IP), along with 26 punchouts. He is considered the 15th-best prospect in the Royals system by Baseball America, and also possesses the "Best Curveball" in the organization. Kansas City selected Junis in the 29th round of the 2011 MLB Draft out of Rock Falls High School in Illinois. The righty in four Spring Training outings this year accumulated an 0-1 record and 15.19 ERA (9 ER/5.1 IP) with five strikeouts.

McCarthy began last year with the Double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals, his first of three stops in 2016 that ended in Kansas City. Between the Double-A and Triple-A levels he combined for a 5-6 record and 3.04 ERA (23 ER/68.0 IP) in 47 appearances, along with 16 saves and 31 games finished. He led all Royals minor leaguers with his 16 saves last season.

The 25-year-old made his Major League debut on September 9, 2016 versus the Chicago White Sox, ultimately tallying a 1-0 clip and 6.48 ERA (6 ER/8.1 IP) with seven strikeouts in his first Big League experience. Baseball America also tabbed him as the 28th-best prospect in the Royals organization prior to this year. He was selected by Kansas City in the 16th round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of Marist College. McCarthy recorded a 1-0 mark and 1.80 ERA (1 ER/5.0 IP) in five Cactus League relief outings, along with five strikeouts.

One additional roster move the Royals announced was optioning infielder Samir Duenez to Double-A Northwest Arkansas. As a result of the moves, Kansas City now has 51 players in Major League camp, including 16 non-roster invitees. Of those 51 players remaining, 28 have worn an Omaha uniform during their professional career.

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Seven Naturals Claim Minor League Awards from Royals

General Manager Justin Cole and Manager Vance Wilson among those that were honored by Kansas City

March 13, 2017 Northwest Arkansas Naturals



The Kansas City Royals announced their minor league award winners for the 2016 season and recognized nine individuals. Seven of the nine honorees were members of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals during the past season. General Manager Justin Cole and Manager Vance Wilson received awards, while the Royals also recognized Jake Junis, Yender Caramo, Logan Moon, Hunter Dozier, and Cameron Gallagher for their performance on and off the field.

Naturals Honorees:

Justin Cole, General Manager - Justin Cole was the recipient of the Matt Minker Award, which recognizes an outstanding minor league affiliate employee. In 2016, Cole completed his fourth season in his current role with the Naturals. The team serves as the Royals' Double-A Affiliate and has appeared in the Texas League Championship Series each of the last two season.

Vance Wilson, Manager - Vance Wilson was the recipient of the Dick Howser Award, which recognizes the organization's most outstanding player development person. Wilson has spent his last eight seasons in the Royals' organization and has been the manager of the Naturals for the past three seasons. During his time in Northwest Arkansas, he has guided the team to back-to-back North Division Championships and consecutive trips to the Texas League Championship Series.

Jake Junis, Right-Handed Pitcher - Jake Junis was the recipient of the Paul Splittorff Award, which recognizes the top minor league pitcher in the organization. The 24-year old went 9-7 with a 3.25 ERA with Northwest Arkansas and was named the Naturals pitcher of the year. Junis also earned midseason and postseason All-Star honors for his success in the Texas League. The former 29th round selection in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft was promoted to Triple-A Omaha on August 8.

Yender Caramo, Right-Handed Pitcher - Yender Caramo was the recipient of the Carlos Fortuna Award, which recognizes a player who is dedicated to improving his English, work ethic and conduct. The 25-year old spent the majority of the 2016 season with Northwest Arkansas and went 5-7 with a 2.45 ERA in 34 outings (10 starts). Caramo led the Texas League in ERA and ranked second in WHIP (1.09) and walks per 9.0 innings pitched. He was signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2010.

Logan Moon, Outfielder - Logan Moon was the recipient of the Mike Sweeney Award, which recognizes a player who best represents the organization on and off the field. The 25-year old outfielder spent the entire 2016 season with Northwest Arkansas and hit .254 games in 107 games. Moon was selected in the sixth round of the 2014 First-Year Player Draft.

Hunter Dozier, Infielder/Outfielder - Hunter Dozier was the recipient of the George Brett Hitter of the Year, which recognizes the top position player in the organization. The 25-year old spent the majority of 2016 in Omaha but began the year in Northwest Arkansas. Across the two levels, Dozier hit .296 while setting a career high in runs (79), hits (144), doubles (44), home runs (23), and RBI (75) while earning Player of the Year honors for Omaha. The former 8th overall selection in the 2013 First-Year Player Draft made his Major League debut on September 12 and recorded his first hit on September 15.

Cameron Gallagher, Catcher - Cam Gallagher was the recipient of the Frank White Defensive Player of the Year Award, which recognizes the organization's top defensive player. The 24-year old spent the entire season with Northwest Arkansas and played in 91 games while starting 79 games at catcher. Gallagher led all Texas League catchers in total chances (713), putouts (648), assists (62), double plays (9), and caught stealing percentage (.476, 30-of-63). The former second round pick in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft was added to the Royals' 40-man roster on November 18.

In addition to the honorees listed above, the Royals recognized Nick Heath of Idaho Falls as the Willie Wilson Baserunner of the Year while Special Assignment Scout Mitch Webster took home the Art Stewart Award for most outstanding scout.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals will host the San Antonio Missions, the Double-A Affiliate of the San Diego Padres, on Thursday, April 6 at 6:25 p.m. for Opening Day of Season 10 of Naturals Baseball at Arvest Ballpark.

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Former Demon Nick Heath honored by Royals organization

March 13, 2017 By Jason Pugh/Northwestern State



Former Northwestern State outfielder Nick Heath picked up 36 steals during his first professional baseball season with the Idaho Falls Chukars.

Heath's steal total gave him the Pioneer League championship, outpacing the runner-up by 10 and marking his second stolen base crown of 2016. Heath's school-record 35 stolen bases led the Southland Conference during his final season with the Demons.

For his work on the bases, Heath was named the Kansas City Royals organization's Willie Wilson Baserunner of the Year for the 2016 season.

A 16th-round selection in June's Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, Heath hit .291 with 36 steals for Idaho Falls. His 36 steals ranked third among Kansas City farmhands but came in just 62 games for the rookie-level Chukars.

Heath, a Junction City, Kansas, native, swiped 75 bases in three seasons at Northwestern State, ranking him third in school history. His total is the most by a Demon who played three seasons.

The award is named for Willie Wilson, a member of Kansas City's 1985 World Series championship team. Wilson stole 612 bases for the Royals across 14 seasons and remains the team's all-time stolen base king.

Heath currently is in his first spring training with the Royals in Surprise, Arizona.

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MLB TRANSACTIONS

March 14, 2017 •.



|TEAM |PLAYER |TRANSACTION |

|Atlanta Braves |Kevin Chapman |Acquired Off Waivers From |

| | |from Astros, Houston |

|Chicago Cubs |Maikel Cleto |Released |

|Chicago Cubs |Jack |Sent to Minors |

| |Leathersich | |

|Chicago Cubs |Duane |Sent to Minors |

| |Underwood | |

|Chicago Cubs |Aaron Brooks |Sent to Minors |

|Colorado |Sam Moll |Sent to Minors |

|Rockies | | |

|Colorado |Miguel Castro |Sent to Minors |

|Rockies | | |

|Kansas City |Miguel Almonte|Sent to Minors |

|Royals | | |

|Kansas City |Kevin McCarthy|Sent to Minors |

|Royals | | |

|Kansas City |Jake Junis |Sent to Minors |

|Royals | | |

|Los Angeles |Nate Smith |Sent to Minors |

|Angels | | |

|Milwaukee |Taylor |Sent to Minors |

|Brewers |Williams | |

|Milwaukee |Jorge Lopez |Sent to Minors |

|Brewers | | |

|Milwaukee |Damien |Sent to Minors |

|Brewers |Magnifico | |

|Milwaukee |Josh Hader |Sent to Minors |

|Brewers | | |

|Minnesota Twins|Fernando |Sent to Minors |

| |Romero | |

|Minnesota Twins|Felix Jorge |Sent to Minors |

|New York |Domingo Germán|Sent to Minors |

|Yankees | | |

|Oakland |Yairo Munoz |Sent to Minors |

|Athletics | | |

|Pittsburgh |Clay Holmes |Sent to Minors |

|Pirates | | |

|Pittsburgh |Nick Kingham |Sent to Minors |

|Pirates | | |

|San Diego |José Rondón |Sent to Minors |

|Padres | | |

|San Diego |Javier Guerra |Sent to Minors |

|Padres | | |

|San Diego |Keith Hessler |Sent to Minors |

|Padres | | |

|San Francisco |Kyle Crick |Sent to Minors |

|Giants | | |

|Seattle |Zac Curtis |Sent to Minors |

|Mariners | | |

|Seattle |D.J. Peterson |Sent to Minors |

|Mariners | | |

|St. Louis |Edmundo Sosa |Sent to Minors |

|Cardinals | | |

|St. Louis |Marco Gonzales|Sent to Minors |

|Cardinals | | |

|Toronto Blue |Chris Smith |Sent to Minors |

|Jays | | |

|Washington |Austin Voth |Sent to Minors |

|Nationals | | |

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