SURPIRSE, Ariz. -- One of the biggest surprises of the Royals' 2016 season was the emergence of outfielder Paulo Orlando.
In his age-30 season, the late-blooming Orlando had his breakout year, playing in 128 games, hitting .302 and smacking 24 doubles.
Combine that with his superb outfield play, and Orlando had every reason to think he might compete for a starting job in the outfield this spring.
That notion vanished at the Winter Meetings, when the Royals traded closer Wade Davis to the Cubs for outfielder Jorge Soler.
"It was surprising to see Wade leave, because he's so good," Orlando said.