--Manager Trey Hillman and pitching coach Bob McClure have already had to revamp the Royals rotation for the first week of the season with the opener postponed Monday because of snow at Chicago. LHP Horacio Ramirez, who was not scheduled to start until Sunday, will start Saturday against the Yankees. RHP Gil Meche, who starts the opener Tuesday, is pushed back to Sunday for his second start. RHPs Zack Greinke and Kyle Davies will start Wednesday and Thursday against the White Sox.

--RHP Sidney Ponson, who will start the home opener Friday against the Yankees, threw 60 pitches, 49 for strikes, against a group of Royals minor-leaguers Sunday in Surprise, Ariz., and joined the team Monday in Chicago.

--Manager Trey Hillman said he would start the season with RHP Kyle Farnsworth as his primary eighth-inning setup for closer RHP Joakim Soria. Farnsworth struck out 17 in 12 innings in spring training.

ROTATION:

1. RHP Gil Meche

2. RHP Zack Greinke

3. RHP Kyle Davies

4. RHP Sidney Ponson (inactive as of opening day)

5. LHP Horacio Ramirez

BULLPEN:

RHP Joakim Soria (closer)

RHP Kyle Farnsworth

LHP Ron Mahay

RHP Juan Cruz

RHP Doug Waechter

RHP Robinson Tejada

RHP Jamey Wright

LINEUP:

1. CF Coco Crisp

2. LF David DeJesus

3. 2B Mark Teahen

4. RF Jose Guillen

5. 1B Mike Jacobs

6. DH Billy Butler

7. 3B Alex Gordon

8. C Miguel Olivo

9. SS Mike Aviles

RESERVES:

C John Buck

INF/OF Willie Bloomquist

INF Alberto Callaspo

C/INF/OF Brayan Pena

INF Tony Pena Jr.

MEDICAL WATCH:

LHP John Bale (thyroid surgery on March 3) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. When he regains his strength and stamina, he will be activated, but he likely will pitch at least one or two games on a minor league rehab assignment first.