Royals officials said that they are "in the final stages of discussions" with Surprise, Ariz., the club's spring-training home since '03, for "wide-ranging renovations to modernize their facilities," according to Andy McCullough of the K.C. STAR. The project "has not been finalized, but the Royals intend to move their operations across the valley next month and take up a temporary residency in Phoenix at Papago Park," the former home of the A's. The Royals "expect the facility in Surprise to be ready by next February." The city offered about $16.9M in updates to the Royals and Rangers, who share the facilities, in an effort to "extend their leases." The amount "will be split equally between the two teams." Royals Assistant GM/Baseball Operations Scott Sharp "indicated the exact sum has not been officially decided, but expected a verdict within the next two weeks." Royals officials "remain happy with their relationship with Surprise, but emphasize the need for improvements." Sharp "indicated the upgrades would add about 25,000 square feet to the Royals’ complex" (K.C. STAR, 4/15).
