"Rick Ankiel's first swing in a Royals' uniform outside of batting practice was a no-doubt homer Tuesday afternoon on a hanging changeup from Luke Hochevar.

Nice way to make a first impression.

It got better.

Ankiel hit a second homer in this first of two intrasquad scrimmages prior to the Cactus League opener Thursday afternoon against campus-neighbor Texas in Surprise Stadium. Homer No. 2 came on a fat breaking ball from rookie Danny Duffy.

"It's early," Ankiel said. "You have to remember it's early for everybody, and those guys will (soon) start spotting their pitches a little better. But for my first day, that was fun. No question.""