Brian Bannister is a member of the Secret Brotherhood of Pitchers Who Control Balls In Play. He's very good at it -- so good, in fact, that in an emergency meeting convened before this start in Oakland, in fear of exposure and reprisal the Brotherhood voted to strip him of his rights and privileges until he learned to use his powers more subtly.

In the first inning of that game, Bannister directed a long drive into the glove of Teahen in left and a line drive into the glove of Gordon at third, but when he caught sight of a mysterious figure watching him intently from behind the third base dugout, he capitulated.

This is Bannister's make or break season. He will either practice his art so craftily that no one can detect it, or he won't.

Broadcast: the Royals radio network, MLB.com, XM Radio channel 177.

MLB.com Gameday: here.

Luke Hochevar, not a known member of the Brotherhood, is also scheduled to pitch for the Royals.

Kevin Millwood starts for the Rangers.

Fun fact: in Spring Training, the Rangers and Royals play against each other a lot.