Spring training battles: The bullpen

John Sleezer/Kansas City Star/Tribune News Service via Getty ImagesThe days of HDH are a distant memory. Last year the Royals posted a bullpen ERA of 4.66, fourth-worst in baseball. Royals relievers had the most walks and the worst strikeout-to-walk ratio. But it wasn’t all bad for the bullpen. Royals relievers were above average in not allowing inherited runners to score, their FIP was significantly better than their ERA, and Royals relievers threw harder than any team other than the Yankees. There is some talent there for the new pitching coach staff to work with.

The Royals will likely be very flexible with the bullpen this year. General Manager J.J. Picollo has talked about shuttling…