SURPRISE, Ariz. -- It has been five months since the Royals ended the 2006 season by sweeping the American League champion Tigers in three games at Detroit.

After two weeks of pitchers fielding practice, bullpens, relay throws, bating practice, running the bases and other fundamental drills, the Royals will open their Spring Training schedule Thursday against the Angels at Tempe.

"I get excited for our players just because they're anxious to get out of this complex and onto a regular field," Royals manager Buddy Bell said. "I think we're ready to go, ready to play some games. I don't think we could continue to do what we're doing much longer because of the monotony of it. I thought we got a lot of things accomplished.

"Once we start playing the games, everything starts to speed up. I think I'm more excited to see some of our younger players rather than guys that have been around. "

Bell will get a first-hand look at two young pitchers the Royals acquired in the offseason. Brian Bannister, who was obtained in a Winter Meetings trade with the Mets, and Joakim Soria, a Rule 5 Draft pick from the Padres, are each scheduled to pitch two innings against the Angels.

"I haven't seen them in a competitive situation. I've seen them throw on the side and BP [batting practice], but not in any kind of competitive situation," Bell said. "I do know this, that just watching them on the side, they are pretty doggone competitive regardless of where they are at. The reports were they have great makeup and compete, and they weren't far off. There is nothing about Bannister that I don't like up to this point. He knows how to act. He competes."

Bannister, who lives in nearby Paradise Valley, and Soria are among the candidates for the fifth slot in the rotation.

"I'm excited pitching in my hometown," Bannister said. "There are a lot of friends and family that will be out for the game," including his dad, Floyd, who pitched for the Royals in 1988-89.

"Anytime you put on the uniform and get out there against Major League hitters, it is an adrenaline rush. I'm looking forward to it. I have to learn a whole new set of hitters now because of the American League. It is going to be a learning experience of trying to figure out their tendencies, strengths and weaknesses."

Bannister said he has thrown up to 60 pitches in the bullpen, so two innings would not be a problem, anticipating no more than 30 pitches.

"Six pitches would be ideal," he said with a smile.

Alex Gordon, who had a Double-A Texas League-leading .588 slugging percentage and was selected the league's Player of the Year, will start at third base against the Angels, while Mark Teahen, last year's third baseman, will move to right field.

"I'm excited to see what kind of spring Alex has, and how he handles it," Bell said. "This is a little bit different than what was going on for him last year. He was just here for us to see him play. Last year he had a great spring, but he really wasn't competing for a job. This year is a little bit different in that we're giving him a chance to win a job and he has to show us that he is ready. It will be interesting."

As should be the Royals' 31-game Spring Training schedule, and Thursday is just the beginning.