Everything you need to know about Royals spring training in 2016

Metaphorically, winter is over and spring training has begun. Royals pitchers and catchers officially report today in Surprise, Arizona and the first workout is tomorrow. Position players will officially report in a few days, but many are already in camp. Here is your guide to everything you need to know about Royals spring training.

Where

The Royals are one of fifteen teams that train in Arizona. They share a stadium with the Texas Rangers in Surprise, Arizona, about 30 miles northwest of Phoenix.

Important Dates to Know

February 18 - Pitchers and catchers report

February 19 - Pitchers and catchers first workout

February 22 - Positions players report

February 23 - Full squad workout

March 2 - First spring training game vs. Texas Rangers

March 15 - Dillon Gee must be added to the 40-man roster. The pitcher can opt-out of his contract if he is not added by that time.

March 18-19 - Royals exhibition games in the Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas

April 1-2 - Royals exhibition games in Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona

April 3 - Royals regular season Opening Night, Kauffman Stadium

Positional Battles

The Royals had few roster spots to work out last spring, but may have a few more decisions to make this year.

Second Baseman

The Royals have said the job is an open competition between Omar Infante and Christian Colon. With two years and $18 million left on Infante's deal, he would likely have the inside track. However Colon has hit well in limited action, including the game-winning hit in Game 5 of last year's World Series. Colon's defense has been a concern for the club, while Infante's glove has been solid despite his slumping bat. Most likely the Royals are trying to kickstart Infante's career, but if he struggles in Cactus League play, Colon may see himself starting on Opening Day.

Outfield

The Royals seem comfortable letting Jarrod Dyson get the bulk of the starts next to Lorenzo Cain and Alex Gordon. Dyson will likely platoon with a right-handed bat, with Paulo Orlando having the inside track for that gig. Non-roster invitee Travis Snider brings some pop and could serve as a fifth outfielder. Omaha hitters Brett Eibner and Jose Martinez are long-shots at a roster spot and the Royals could still bring in another free agent to compete for a job.

Starting Rotation

The first three rotation spots are set with Yordano Ventura, Edinson Volquez, and Ian Kennedy. Kris Medlen is very likely to serve as the fourth starting pitcher, leaving a battle for the fifth spot. Danny Duffy has a 3.16 ERA as a starter over the last three seasons, but has also been plagued with inconsistency and might excel as a reliever. Chris Young was impressive last season, especially in the post-season, but his flyball tendencies can be cause for concern. Top pitching prospect Kyle Zimmer could be a darkhorse candidate for the rotation, and former Mets pitcher Dillon Gee could compete for a spot as well.

Bullpen

The Royals pen has been the envy of baseball the last two seasons, but they lose All-Star closer Greg Holland and solid setup man Ryan Madson. Joakim Soria returns to join Wade Davis, Kelvin Herrera, and Luke Hochevar as the locks in the pen. Brian Flynn has the inside track for a lefty role but will likely battle Scott Alexander and David Huff, with Tim Collins likely to return in May. The pitchers that fail to make the rotation will round out the staff and pitching prospect Miguel Almonte could a dark horse to join the pen.

Schedule

The Royals will play 35 exhibition games to prepare for their title defense. Ten spring training games will be broadcast on Fox Sports Kansas City, including both games in San Antonio. KCSP 610 in Kansas City will air thirteen games on the Royals Radio network, and audio of all games will stream on MLB.com.

Royals radio affiliate listing available here.

Roster

The Royals will have 64 players in camp, but only 25 will break north with the club for the season opener. You can get to know the non-roster invitees a bit more here.