Royals Send Aaron Crow to Minor League Camp
Prized rookie allowed no runs in Cactus League play
Wednesday morning, Royals manager Trey Hillman told Metro Sports that rookie right handed pitcher Aaron Crow was optioned to AA Northwest Arkansas, dropping the camp number total to 48 players.
The 23 year old Crow, a former star at the University of Missouri, was told of the demotion in a 20-25 minute meeting with Hillman early Wednesday.
"Trust plays into this a lot, he hasn't disappointed us," Hillman said. "He was better than I anticipated."
In three Cactus League starts, Crow had yet to allow a run in 5.2 innings. He surrendered five hits, walked only one batter and struck out six.
"As advertised, he has a chance to be very special. I knew the competitiveness was there, I knew the stuff was there. His makeup is outstanding," Hillman continued.
Crow did ask Hillman a number of good questions in their meeting, wanting to know specifically what the Royals were looking for out of him.
"Fastball command" was the quick two word answer which applies to all of the pitchers, proven and otherwise in camp. Hillman said Crow got behind in the count too often, although he had a knack for working his way out of trouble.
The Royals want him to get regular work as a starter which will be his assignment in Northwest Arkansas under the direction of manager Brian Poldberg and pitching coach Larry Carter.
Also Wednesday, Hillman added that center fielder Rick Ankiel would play catch today and hit in the batting cage for the first time since being shut down by an ankle injury.
If all goes as planned, Ankiel will start in the Royals home game against the Colorado Rockies this Sunday in Surprise, Az.