After dealing with injury issues last season, the Royals added depth this offseason to keep from having to field a depleted lineup once again.

To that point, Dayton Moore will be keeping a maximum inventory as roster cuts loom.

"It is (a factor) because you want to retain as much quality depth as you possibly can," Moore said. "Part of that is you want to manage your roster effectively so can keep and maintain the depth of your organization."

That means Kansas City will favor players already on the team's 40-man roster who are out of options. Players who have options remaining, or who are in camp on a minor-league contract, are at a disadvantage.