Mendoza had an impressive spring for Kansas City, allowing only one run
in 11 innings pitched. Chen struggled in spring ball, giving up 13 runs and 16
hits in 13 and 2/3 innings. Mendoza also had an impressive showing in the World
Baseball Classic for his native Mexico. As a result, Mendoza will be joining
James Shields, Ervin Santana, Jeremy Guthrie and Wade Davis in the Royals’
starting rotation.
Chen could be a valuable asset to what is already a strong bullpen, and
the veteran provides Kansas City with some nice insurance should one of the
starters get hurt or struggle. Chen has won 35 games over the past three
seasons and has been very reliable for the organization.
The Royals will have to make several other roster decisions in the near
future. The team must decide between Brett Hayes and George Kottaras in the
battle for the backup catcher position, and between Miguel Tejada and Irving
Falu for the utility infielder spot. Kansas City will also have to settle on
its bullpen, where pitchers such as J.C. Gutierrez, Francisley Bueno, Louis
Coleman, Dan Wheeler and Donnie Joseph are all competing.
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