The Royals have called up first baseman Eric Hosmer, who is considered the top prospect in their farm system. Kansas City moved up Hosmer's projected arrival in the majors because they feel 2011 can be more than a rebuilding year. "That's the general consensus, yeah," manager Ned Yost agreed. "I don't want to say we're playing better than we anticipated, because we came into this thing anticipating playing pretty well. "We've played very good baseball from day one in spring training. We've gotten to that point (where expectations are rising). The kid is producing down there. He's in a league of his own. It's a need here — production at first base. The time is right." Hosmer, 21, should be the starting first baseman on Friday night.