KC Royals News: “Ace” honored; Division prepares

Our KC Royals news roundup covers numbers, Division developments, and more.

Some midweek musings about the KC Royals while wondering if Alex Gordon misses spring training:

Danny Duffy honors Yordano Ventura, Andrew Benintendi has famous number

New Kansas City first baseman Carlos Santana wore No. 41 with Cleveland and gets it again this season with the Royals. Pitcher Danny Duffy gave the number to Santana shortly after the first sacker signed a two-year contract in December and took No. 21.

Duffy has changed numbers once again, but this time for a much different reason—he’ll wear No. 30 this season to honor late Royals pitcher Yordano “Ace” Ventura, who died in a motor vehicle accident four years ago.

The club’s most recent major acquisition, left fielder Andrew Benintendi, will wear No. 16, Bo Jackson’s old number. Utility infielder Kelvin Gutierrez is the most recent Royal to wear the number, which Billy Butler, Tom Gordon and Paul Orlando also used.

Checking up on the KC Royals’ American League Central Division rivals

What’s happening with the other AL Central clubs this spring? Our FanSided sister sites have the lowdown.

Roger Castillo predicts who will make Detroit’s Opening Day roster at motorcitybengals.com, including which Tigers will start at each position and what the rotation will look like.

How does Chicago star Tim Anderson feel about new White Sox manager Tony La Russa? Vincent Parise has some insight at southsideshowdown.com.

Over at awaybackgone.com, Kyle Edmond discusses why Cleveland will be better this season than the Indians were in 2020.

And Theodore Tollefson tells us how prepared the Minnesota Twins are for the coming season at puckettspond.com

The KC Royals have released their slate of Cactus League broadcasts

How fans can listen to the club’s spring training games has been announced by the club and 610 Sports Radio (KSPC AM):

The contests are also available via stream at royals.com

Former KC Royals find 2021 employment with other clubs

Four ex-Royals signed new deals with other major league teams in the last week.

Trevor Rosenthal won’t return to Kansas City after joining the Oakland A’s. Having signed with the Texas Rangers, Ian Kennedy also won’t be back. Jeremy Jeffress caught on with Washington and the Tigers signed Wily Peralta.

In case you missed it: Some recent Kings of Kauffman stories

Here are some of our stories from the last week: David Scharff offered 2021 player projections for infielder-outfielder Ryan McBroom and relief pitcher Scott Barlow, while I gave the Royals final grades for their offseason moves and discussed some possible spring training happenings that could impact the team.

That’s all for now. We’ll be back next Wednesday with another midweek Royals news roundup. Until then, stay safe and healthy.