Loaded Roster

With third baseman Cheslor Cuthbert and righthanders Jason Adam and Yordano Ventura moving up from low Class A Kane County, high Class A Wilmington will have three of the Royals' Top 10 Prospects. Outfielder/first baseman Brian Fletcher joins them after being the Royals' most productive player in spring training. Both Adam and Ventura were originally ticketed to return to Kane County, but both pitched well enough during spring training to persuade the Royals to move them up.

Leap Of Faith

With the first wave of their bumper crop of prospects now in the big leagues, Kansas City is taking it slower in the minor leagues. Much of their deep 2011 draft class is remaining in extended spring training, and no significant prospect has skipped a level. The closest thing to a big jump is outfielder Jorge Bonifacio, who moved from the Rookie-level Burlington club to Kane County.

Where Is That Guy?

Outfielder Bubba Starling's assignment was the subject of many meetings during spring training. In the end the Royals decided to hold him back in extended spring training to continue working on his swing. Royals vice president J.J. Picollo said Starling's status will be evaluated week by week, so look for him to pop up in Kane County at some point. Lefthander John Lamb is back in extended spring training as he continues to rehab from last year's Tommy John surgery. Center fielder Brett Eibner injured his shoulder diving for a ball in spring training. He has been cleared to play again but is still getting caught up, and when he's ready he's expected to head to Wilmington. The injury bug at catcher extends to the minors, where Jose Bonilla is being held back because of injury. At the big league level Salvador Perez and Manny Pina are both injured.

Time Is Running Out

Righthander Tim Melville has made it to Double-A Northwest Arkansas after two seasons at Wilmington. Melville's stuff is still impressive, but he has yet to show that he can consistently get hitters out. The tougher pitching environment of the Texas League will be a serious test for Melville.