Just Say No to Yuniesky Betancourt

Jun 27, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals second baseman Yuniesky Betancourt (11) flips the ball to second base in the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Ever watch the WWE, or WWF as it was called years ago? Think back to when two wrestlers were in the ring and suddenly another wrestler’s music would begin to play. Jerry Lawler, also known as that excitable announcer who once wrestled Andy Kaufman, would begin to squeal. “Oh my god, it’s ’s music!!!!” Well, the music that may be playing at Kauffman Stadium next year during the occasional at bat may be enough to throw Lawler into further hysterics.

Why is that? Because apparently there are a number of teams that are interested in Yuniesky Betancourt, with one team potentially interested in the erstwhile Royals infielder as a starting option. Fortunately, the Royals are set with their starters across the infield, so it is highly unlikely that they would be the team interested in Betancourt as a starter. But could he be considered an option as a utility infielder?

Although none of the interested teams have been specifically mentioned, it may be fair to expect the Royals to appear on that list. Dayton Moore and Ned Yost seem to have some sort of affinity for Betancourt, despite all the evidence showing that he truly is not that great of an option anywhere in the lineup. While Betancourt has some power, particularly for a middle infielder, he does not make consistent enough contact, nor does he get on base. Defensively, Betancourt is only slightly better than having one of those old bounce back nets that I used to throw baseballs into as a child to improve my fielding.

Yes, the Royals have potential middle infield options already in the system. Christian Colon has played both second base and shortstop in the minors, and would command less of a salary than Yuniesky Betancourt. However, much like those old wrestlers, he just keeps coming back. First, he appeared to have left when he was traded along with Zack Greinke. Then, after being banished to Milwaukee for a year, he returned once again before being released. Could the Royals really consider bringing back Betancourt for a third time?

We can only hope that Dayton Moore is resisting the urge to pick up the telephone and reach out to Yuniesky Betancourt’s agent, inquiring about how Betancourt would feel about coming back to Kansas City for a third time. Failing that, we can only hope that one of those old folding metal chairs are lying around before Betancourt’s music begins to play throughout the stadium.