On paper, the Royals’ 3-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Thursday delivered plenty of positive developments.
Chris Young and Travis Wood made their spring debuts with impressive outings, each striking out two over two innings. Reliever Joakim Soria posted his second scoreless frame. Eric Hosmer supplied the punch, driving a two-run homer to left-center field inside Surprise Stadium.
Yet it was the specifics that delighted manager Ned Yost. Yes, Young and Wood were solid as they began their bids for the club’s final rotation spot. But consider the context: They were solid against a formidable Rockies lineup that could project as one of the National League’s best offenses.