KC Royals: Five Things To Watch In Spring Training 2016

The KC Royals play their first Spring Training game later today. Here are five things to keep an eye on throughout the month.

Before the KC Royals start their quest to defend the crown in 2016, they’ll have to answer a few questions in Spring Training. When the Royals face off against the Texas Rangers today at 2:05 P.M. Central Standard time, they’ll look to start answering some of these questions.

Fans wont have to wait long to get at least some answers. Kyle Zimmer will start the game for the Royals today. It will be his first with the Major League team and even though it comes in Spring Training, it still bears some significance.

He profiles to be one of the Royals’ front-end starters someday, if he can ever stay healthy. He’s battled injuries his entire time in the Minor Leagues and had his debut delayed on numerous occasions. While the outcome of this game doesn’t matter, seeing Zimmer on the hill for the big team, does.

Last year, the Royals also opened Spring Training against the Texas Rangers. The questions at that time surrounded newcomers Alex Rios and Kendrys Morales. Answers came quickly as Hosmer, Morales, and Rios went back-to-back-to-back in the home run department. The Royals would go on to win 13-2 and hand Colby Lewis the loss.

This year, Colby Lewis gets the start for the Rangers again. Jumping out to an early lead worked last year for the Royals. Could they look to make a statement in game one of Spring Training again this season?

The results of Spring Training don’t matter all that much. The Royals are more focused on winning World Championships than Spring Training Championships. Let’s take a look at what questions will need to be answered before the end of Spring Training.

Next: What's On Second