Royals can't wait to 'ring' in the 2016 season
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SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Tuesday not only was the Royals' first full workout day, it also was the day many of the players were fitted for their World Series championship rings.
"It's a great feeling," first baseman Eric Hosmer said with a big smile. "I kept looking at the sample rings and [jokingly] asking if they were bigger than that. But really, it's going to be great to put those on."
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Some of the Royals were fitted at last month's FanFest in Kansas City.
The championship ring ceremony will be prior to the Royals' game with the Mets on April 5 at Kauffman Stadium.
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"It's something I'm ready to put on my finger, I know that," Royals outfielder Jarrod Dyson said.
Escobar not in camp
All the Royals were present on Tuesday except for shortstop Alcides Escobar, who was in the United States, but then was to return to Venezuela to be with family after the passing of his uncle.
Manager Ned Yost said Escobar was "really close" to his uncle. Yost expects Escobar to be back this weekend.
Minor likes Royals's attitude
One of the main elements that drew left-hander Mike Minor to sign a two-year, $7.25 million deal with Kansas City was the team's desire to win.
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"They have a young team and they just never quit," Minor said. "I watched [Game 4 of the American League Division Series] against the Astros and I thought it was over, and they came back and won. They just keep coming at you."
That was the game in which the Royals were down, 6-2, in the eighth inning with their season on the line, down two games to one. The Royals rallied for five runs and eventually won to advance to the ALCS en route to winning their first World Series since 1985.
"That kind of determination is something I want to be a part of," Minor said.
Minor, who is coming off shoulder surgery, isn't expected to contribute at the big league level until at least late May or June. The Royals won't rush his progression back.
"I interviewed the medical staff before I signed and was pleased with their approach," Minor said. "I talked to Kris Medlen and the process he went through and was very satisfied with that. Everything sounded great and it all lined up. The main thing is to get healthy and start pitching again."