SURPRISE, Ariz. —The key moment in Gil Meche's recovery from a year plagued by back-and-shoulder miseries came in November on a Texas golf course.

It didn't hurt to play.

"In the previous offseason," he said, "I wasn't able to play golf because when I would go to swing, I would notice from the (body) rotation that I would get a...Read More

SURPRISE, Ariz. —If this is the year Luke Hochevar realizes the potential that made him the first overall pick in the 2006 draft, the first step likely occurred last week on a bullpen mound at the Royals' year-round complex.

It is, quite literally, an extra step in Hochevar's windup.

He adjusted his motion at the suggestion of...Read More

SURPRISE, Ariz. —Another entry Saturday in the Kansas City Royals' so far/so good checklist: Closer Joakim Soria is throwing free and easy and showing no signs of the shoulder soreness that plagued him last season on occasion.

"I've tried not to badger him," manager Trey Hillman said, "but I've asked him probably three times how his ...Read More

SURPRISE, Ariz. —The climax, to give away the ending, is that Zack Greinke's new prized possession is a samurai sword. Now come along for the ride.

It is shortly before noon Saturday along the chilled covered second deck down the left-field line at Surprise Stadium. A blustery drizzle has already shortened the Royals' planned workout...Read More

SURPRISE, Ariz. —Here it is, Royals fans, just what you need as this grim, gray winter grinds along: The first real sign of spring. Pitchers and catchers report today for work at the Royals' year-round complex.

Many are already here for early work as a revamped roster looks to reverse last year's slide and return to what had been ste...Read More

SURPRISE, Ariz. —Luke Hochevar had some memorable games and forgettable starts in 2009 for the Kansas City Royals.

He needed only 80 pitches in nine innings on June 12 to beat the Cincinnati Reds 4-1. He struck out 13 Texas Rangers and walked none in a July 25 victory. He logged his first career shutout on Sept. 18 against the Chicag...Read More

Kyle Farnsworth enters his 12th big league season, somehow still a project. His tools belie his consistently disappointing results.

But it's going to be interesting to see how he does at his latest adventure. The 33-year-old Farnsworth, who still looks as intimidating as almost any pitcher in the majors, will get a chance to start in spri...Read More

KANSAS CITY, Mo. —Rick Ankiel, the former Cardinals phenom pitcher turned outfielder, is on the move to Kansas City after agreeing on a one-year deal with the Royals, who could make him their new center fielder.

The deal will need the weekend to be made final, formalities such as a physical most likely delaying any announcement unti...Read More

At his best, Royals right-hander Luke Hochevar is a pitcher with game-changing talent who is looking for an identity.

At his worst, Hochevar is... well, most of last season defined Hochevar at his worst.

Still, for a pitcher who had the highest ERA in the American League, 6.55, Hochevar has something to build on. His 17 poor starts w...Read More

KANSAS CITY, Mo. —Around here, among Royals fans in Kansas City, there's been a persistent buzz about whether Zack Greinke would win the Cy Young Award as the American League's best pitcher.

Out there, in Zack Greinke's offseason in Orlando, Fla., not so much.

"Not really," he says. "I've been playing this 'World of Warcraft'...Read More