Crown points

• Already busy with pitcher Yu Darvish on the Rangers' side of the Surprise complex, the Japanese media are also at work covering the Royals' new right fielder from Japan, Norichika Aoki.

Yost told them that Aoki is fitting in well with the Royals.

"I really like what I see from Nori so far, a lot of life, a lot of energy," Yost said. "He's got a great, nice, quiet swing. Very athletic in the outfield, a lot of bounce to his game. A great sense of humor, a great personality -- there's a lot to like about Nori."

• MLB Network will carry six of the Royals' Spring Training games in the Kansas City market. They are: March 5, at Diamondbacks, 4 p.m. CT; March 8, at Brewers, 3 p.m. CT; March 12, Dodgers, midnight CT; March 14, at Indians, 9 a.m. CT; March 20, Angels, 3 p.m. CT (live); March 22, Rangers, 3 p.m. CT (live). The first four games are on tape delay.

• Alex Gordon, a proud University of Nebraska product, visited with the Cornhuskers as they took batting practice at the Royals complex prior to the Pac 12-Big Ten Challenge tournament at Surprise Stadium. Gordon planned to watch the Huskers take on the Oregon State Beavers.

• To allow time for physical examinations, the Royals will get a late start on Saturday, stretching at 1 p.m. MT. They usually begin the workout at 10 a.m.