Alcides Escobar might be the best defensive shortstop in the majors now, and within a few years, Eric Hosmer seems destined to be one of the game's best players, period. Watch him play and he reminds you a lot of Votto, in his at-bats, in his athleticism, although he is probably more aggressive than Votto on defense.

The Royals were encouraged by how third baseman Mike Moustakas finished the season, batting .283 in August and .352 in the last month of the season.

Johnny Giavotella hit .247 in his first games in the big leagues last season, as the Royals' new second baseman. This group ranks 10th now, but it's rising -- quickly.