KC Royals: Getting To Know Veteran Infielder Clint Barmes

“Since Joining the team a few weeks ago, what early impressions do you have about the team and their clubhouse chemistry that’s so often talked about?”

"“Well, that obviously stands out right off the bat. Showing up and walking in, it’s just a great group of guys that obviously enjoy being there and enjoy being with each other. It’s nice showing up to the ballpark and everyone is excited to be there, as well they should be, it’s a big league Spring Training. The group of guys that are in there, I mean there’s really no egos as far as the chemistry goes. The guys have welcomed me in and made me feel comfortable. It’s a great feel being inside the clubhouse and not to mention the staff and front office. From my side, everybody’s been nothing but great and have made it really comfortable for me to come in and try and compete for a spot”"

“We’ve heard a lot as fans, especially during the World Series last year, about how much of a ‘family’ it was in the clubhouse and just how special that team chemistry was. In comparison to other teams you’ve played for, is there anything to that or is that just good TV at the time?”

"“No. I can tell you right now the first conversation I had with Dayton Moore over the phone, he asked about my family and he asked about my wife and a little bit of background. Those were his first questions and that was the first thing we talked about. Coming from a general manager that’s obviously all business as well, but to put the family in and to want to know about me and my family it meant a lot. It said a lot for who he is. Getting to know a lot of the guys as I come into camp, they’ve lived up to that. They’ve talked about it and they’ve shown from everything that I’ve noticed up to now, how important the family side is. Basically, we treat each other like we’re all one big family. That’s kind of the feel that you have walking around the clubhouse even with the front office guys and the managers as well.”"

“That’s really encouraging to hear. As a fan, you’re a little bit biased, so it’s nice to hear that it is something special.”

"“Exactly. It’s not just something that’s talked about. I can honestly say that the teams that I’ve played for have been great as far as the family importance. They’ve all been great in dealing with the players in supporting the player through family issues. I’ve been fortunate with the teams I’ve been on, and this is a team that definitely stands by that and it’s reassuring for sure.”"

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