Chris Dwyer

In his first full season at Double-A Northwest Arkansas, Dwyer produced dire results as he had 126 strikeouts and 78 walks with a 5.60 ERA over 141.1 innings. It wasn't all bad though as he finished out the season strong with a 56:19 K:BB and 3.05 ERA over his last nine starts. He needs to go on a serious walks diet as his control issues have him handing out free passes at the rate of nearly 5.0 BB/9IP, since he stepped foot in Double-A. A fringe top-10 prospect within the Royals' system, owners would be wise to wait and see if Dwyer can make this rather large adjustment to his game, before investing in him.

A fourth-round pick out of Clemson in 2009, Dwyer features a plus curveball supported by a good fastball with consistent control. He'll be 23 in April, when he's bound to open the season as part of the rotation at Double-A Northwest Arkansas. Dwyer had little difficulty retiring hitters at High-A Wilmington last season while striking out more than a batter per inning before a back injury ended his season in July. Like the cast of promising young arms set to join him at Double-A this season, Dwyer should factor into the Royals' plans within the next two seasons.