Dyson could go from spare outfielder to Royals starter

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) Warren Street no longer exists in McComb, Mississippi, which changed to Dyson Drive in December after a City Council vote.

Jarrod Dyson, the speedy Kansas City Royals outfielder who scored the go-ahead run in the final game of Kansas City's World Series victory last fall, grew up in McComb.

''I've got a street named after myself,'' Dyson said ''There's no speed limit. No speed limit on me. Why there going to be one on my road?''

Dyson, whose Twitter account is mrzoombiya, has stolen 146 bases in 169 attempts in the major leagues, including at least 26 in each of the past four years. He was 3 for 3 in last year's postseason.

Dyson said his hometown also wanted a parade ''with me solo'' after the Royals beat the New York Mets to claim their first title since 1985. He declined ''because I'm a shy kid,'' instead serving as grand marshal for McComb's Christmas parade.

''Me and Santa threw a lot of candy out,'' Dyson said. ''I enjoyed that, seeing the kids get their candy, enjoying the moment. The World Series does change your life. A lot more people get to see you more on the big stage. A lot more people reach out to congratulate you. A lot of people want to do things with you.''

Dyson has been a reserve outfielder for the Royals during the past four seasons, never appearing in more 120 games or getting more than 292 at-bats. He might start this year or platoon with right-handed-hitting Paulo Orlando, who batted .249 as a rookie.

''If I'm playing every day, you can have me for more than 50 stolen bases,'' Dyson said. ''I'm 20 shy of 50 not playing every day. If I'm playing every day, I'd hope it would be 60 to 70 range.''

While speed remains his most valuable asset, Dyson has grown into a more complete player.

''He's improved a lot,'' Royals manager Ned Yost said. ''He's grown up, but he's got that one skill you just can't buy and that's speed. You've got to want to steal bases. You've got to want to be a thief. And he's got that too. He's completely fearless.''

Dyson could start in center at times, with Lorenzo Cain shifting to right. At other times, Dyson could be in right.

''I feel like I can play anywhere in the outfield,'' Dyson said. ''I don't really have a particular spot I care most about.''

Notes: Hall of Famer George Brett and Mike Sweeney, who combined for 4.694 hits in the major leagues, are in uniform as spring training instructors. . 2B Omar Infante, who had surgery in November to shave a right elbow bone spur, has been limited in throwing drills and likely will be held out of early spring training games. . The Royals signed 11 players to major league contracts. They are LHP Scott Alexander, RHPs Miguel Almonte and Kyle Zimmer, IFs Cheslor Cuthbert and Raul Mondesi and OFs Bubba Starling, Jose Martinez, Brett Eibner, Terrance Gore and Jorge Bonifacio. Cuthbert will receive $509,425 while in the major leagues, Alexander $508,800, Almonte and Gore each $508,500, while the other seven will be paid the major league minimum, $507,500.