Aaron

Crow

“Realistically, it would be tough for him to make 32 starts,” Yost said. “But he could make 10 starts and go to the pen. He could make five starts and go to the pen. He could open in the pen and make 10 starts later or 15 starts. I don’t know.” Crow threw 62 innings out of the bullpen in 2011, and it sounds like the Royals don’t want his innings to jump up too dramatically in 2012. He’ll compete for a spot in the rotation in spring training, but it’s clear his long-term role is still yet to be determined.

Crow entered spring training with a legitimate shot at landing a spot in the Royals’ starting rotation, but Joakim Soria’s recent elbow issues have forced a return to relief for the 25-year-old right-hander. He is likely to function as a setup man this year for Kansas City.

He’ll get the day off after closing out the last two games. The Royals will likely go with Aaron Crow or Tim Collins in a late-inning role, depending on the matchup.

Not a surprise. Paulino tossed two scoreless innings in his spring debut Thursday against the Rockies while Duffy struck out five of the six batters he faced in two hitless innings in his first Cactus League start Friday. Yost called Aaron Crow a “contingency plan” for the rotation and also mentioned Everett Teaford, Luis Mendoza, Vin Mazzaro and Sean O’Sullivan as possibilities, but Paulino and Duffy are the clear favorites.

The Royals likely intended to follow Crow with Greg Holland and Jonathan Broxton tonight, but they never got the chance. Crow struck out two in his inning. He’s fanned six in three innings for the season, but he’s also given up three runs.

A nice first outing from the young right-hander. The Royals are giving Crow a shot at a rotation spot, though manager Ned Yost seems prepared to shift him back to the bullpen unless he really wows in camp. He’s certainly off to a good start.

At least, that’s going to be the plan entering spring training. Crow posted a stellar 2.76 ERA over 62 relief appearances as a rookie in 2011 and was drafted as a starter out of the Universtity of Missouri. Still, there’s no guarantee that he’ll make an easy jump to the Kansas City rotation. Crow is on the fringe of sleeper status.

“I’m comfortable with (starting),” explained Crow. “I’ve done that my whole life. Whatever happens happens, but I’m going into spring training with the goal of making the rotation. I hope that works out.” Crow pitched almost exclusively as a starter in the minors, but posted a 2.76 ERA over 62 relief appearances as a rookie in 2011 and even made the American League All-Star team. The 25-year-old right-hander has the chance to provide much more value to the Royals as a starter in the long-term, but his spotty command could prove problematic.

Aaron Crow is also a possibility, according to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick. Herrera and Crow have nice arms, but we believe Holland will become Kansas City’s primary ninth-inning man. Over the last two seasons, the right-hander has a 2.53 ERA and 130/42 K/BB rate over 99-plus innings. He hasn’t been quite as good this season as last, but Holland is a must-own in all fantasy formats.

Jonathan Broxton threw 29 pitches over two innings Sunday against the Cardinals, so Yost would like to stay away from using him. Yost is also considering using him as a pinch-hitter under National League rules. Greg Holland and Tim Collins are also unavailable Monday and could be used as emergency outfielders.