Either Jacobs or Gload could wind up as the designated hitter if they do not earn the first base job.

There is no less of a crowd at second base, where Alberto Callaspo, Mark Teahen, Willie Bloomquist, Esteban German and Tug Hulett can be found taking ground balls.

In the past three seasons, Teahen has been the Opening Day third baseman, right fielder and left fielder. He has also played some first base and center field. This spring the Royals want to find out if he can handle second base adequately.

Manager Trey Hillman said the "prudent thing" before making a firm judgment on Teahen at second base would be to wait and see how he does in exhibition games.

"Even though we've got to evaluate every day, I think you find a lot more about guys, how they're going read and react once we get the games going," Hillman said.

Teahen, however, leaves early in March to play third base for Canada in the World Baseball Classic.

"I met with Mark Teahen and told him until he's gone for the WBC, I'm going to concentrate to his benefit and wanted his reaction on it at second base," Hillman said.

"But as we get into these games before he has to leave, to make sure he's getting into his work day, without us scheduling it for him, he needs to get some reads in the outfield, so I have the availability to say, 'OK, Mark I need you to get out there in right and pick up the last couple of innings,' hopefully after he's already played some second base.

"That's going to be mixing and matching between Mark, Willie Bloomquist and Alberto Callaspo."

TOP CANDIDATE TO SURPRISE: RHP Kyle Davies went 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA in his final three starts, two of them against the White Sox and Twins, who were battling for first in the American League Central. Davis allowed three earned runs in that span while allowing 11 hits, walking three and striking out 19 in 21 innings. Davies, 25, could be ready to emerge as a consistent winner in the majors and solidify the rotation as the No. 3 starter.

TOP CANDIDATE TO DISAPPOINT: SS Mike Aviles was considered to be nothing more than a utility player in the majors, but he wrestled the starting shortstop job away from light-hitting Tony Pena Jr. with a .325 average and 10 home runs as a rookie. It would be far-fetched to think Aviles could duplicate those numbers his sophomore season. It will be intriguing to see how opposing pitchers adjust to him after last year and if Aviles will be able to made the necessary adjustments to continue hitting for a high average.

AUTHORITY FIGURES: Manager Trey Hillman, who spent the previous five years managing in Japan, was unorthodox in his rookie season, but the Royals responded by winning 75 games, their most since 2003. Former Blue Jays manager John Gibbons has joined the staff as the bench coach, which should help Hillman with his knowledge of the American League. Kevin Seitzer will bring increased energy and knowledge as the new hitting coach.