TORONTO — Three hours before the Kansas City Royals were to begin their off-day workout at Rogers Centre yesterday, Jonny Gomes sat in the dugout talking to the team’s general manager and a few higher-ups.
Beard still long, red and curly, Gomes is starting to show signs of being 34 years old, but it’s not visible in his sturdy chest, nor in his fearless arms. He unleashed rounds full of powerful swings in batting practice, driving the ball as if it threatened him. To the casual onlooker, Gomes looks like the most prepared, powerful hitter on this potent Royals roster.