Let’s glance at the candidates:

Yuniesky Betancourt – Yuni could occupy shortstop if Alcides Escobar needed a day off. I say “occupy” because I’m not comfortable using the word “play”. Betancourt’s issues of fielding range and consistency are well-known and have been mentioned on this site and others as reason for concern. Now, Ned Yost is suggesting that Betancourt may be in line to start three to four times a week while spelling Mike Moustakas and Johnny Giavotella as well.

If the problem was Betancourt’s defense, then maybe his bat would redeem him.

Whoops. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

Problem is, while Betancourt has shown a bit of power here and there in the last few seasons, his overall offensive contribution is poor. There’s a stat designed to weigh a player’s contributions based on the relative value of the ways they get on base and the run values of those methods referred to as wOBA (weighted on base average). After calculating, it ends up looking like on base percentage and anything over .340 is pretty good. Betancourt’s wOBA in 2011 was .278, better than only three players. He’s just not good.

But he’s making $2 million this year and is the favorite to be the team’s utility infielder. He can’t do too much harm that way – unless Yost follows through and does give Yuni three or four starts a week (which works out to just under 300 plate appearances give or take).

Chris Getz – If you listen to the Royals in spring training, they’ll tell you that Getz is changing his stance and trying to add some more power. Chris Getz has Jose Lind power. In 1099 plate appearances, Getz has 42 extra base hits. Lind, in 4001 plate appearances had 181. Simply multiplying Getz’s numbers by 4 (and giving him 400 more plate appearances), he still falls short of Lind’s extra base hit totals.

Getz has played some third base and shortstop in the minors, but has only 35 innings in the big leagues at those positions. He’s basically a second baseman only. His one contribution is speed, as he’s stolen 62 bases in 74 attempts, but that doesn’t do much good if he isn’t getting on base (and his on base percentage is lower than the league average). Getz has an option left and is probably destined to head to Omaha for depth in case of injury.

Kevin Kouzmanoff – There’s some intrigue with Kouzmanoff. Touted as a top prospect when he came up with the Padres, Kouzmanoff didn’t make enough contact and was haunted by big Petco Park. He still showed some power, hitting 16 or more homers from 2007 to 2010 (with the final year being in Oakland, another poor home run environment).

Kouzmanoff presents a couple of problems as a utility player, though. For one, he’s a third baseman. Period. Sure, he could go to the other side of the diamond and fill in at first base, but he’s not going to be in the middle of the field. Secondly, he strikes out so much and walks so rarely that his career on base percentage is .300. His career wOBA is .315. He does have some value at third base, though, where he’s been a bit better than average. An obstacle for Kouzmanoff is his minor league contract that requires the Royals to make a move with the 40 man roster to get him onto the team. If he’s still in the minors on May 1, he’s free to seek other employment, per a clause in his contract.

"Nice to meet you. My name is Irving Falu." Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-US PRESSWIRE

Someone who’s going overlooked – and has gone overlooked for a while – is Irving Falu.

Let’s look at his resume: He’s one of those “played everywhere but pitcher and catcher” types. He’s the super sub that Esteban German wishes he could have been. Falu is best suited for the middle infield where John Sickels has called his second base play “slick”. He carries a reputation of being at worst decent at shortstop and third base.

Moreover, he has a patient plate approach and can make solid contact. A Royals farmhand since 2003, he’s struck out barely over 8% of the time. He’s walked more frequently than he’s struck out. Over the course of his minor league career, he’s put up a .275/.342/.350 line. No, he’s not a potential superstar, nor was he at any point in his development.

But the thing is, he’s probably a better overall option than the others, especially in a utility role (because he has actual utility as the role is perceived).

Maybe Betancourt was brought in as competition for Johnny Giavotella. It’s possible – even likely – that the organization knows that, barring injury or collapse this spring, Giavotella will be the every day second baseman. To keep him from being complacent and to push him to “win” the job, they brought in a veteran. I can see the idea behind that, but that doesn’t excuse signing one of the worst every day players since Neifi Perez.

Falu has been in the Royals system so long, he played Double A ball in Wichita. He, along with Mitch Maier, are the longest tenured players within the organization. At this point, he’s not going to develop into anything more than a utility player, but that’s just what the Royals can use. A player who can play a good infield at three positions, could play the outfield in a pinch, and has shown that he can get on base and avoid strikeouts as a professional has value.

Maybe he wouldn’t hit better than Getz, but he could get on base more often than Getz.

Maybe he won’t have the power of Kouzmanoff, but he likely won’t strike out as often and can play more positions.

Falu's on first. (courtesy Minda Haas)

Maybe Yuni has the inside track, but Falu should have better plate discipline and has the same ability to make contact that Betancourt has (and again, Falu can play more positions and better).

A player with Falu’s flexibility allows the Royals to potentially carry both Mitch Maier and Jarrod Dyson (who provides some late-inning speed) on the bench. Or Falu could allow the Royals to spell their infielders while not plugging Betancourt in the lineup as often.

So far this spring (and the standard caveat of March baseball applies), Falu has hits in four of seven at bats, including a home run. He wears a jersey number in the sixties (#64) in Surprise, so that’s not a good sign for his chances, but if he plays defense, gets on base and makes contact, he should get a look in the utility role.

For what it’s worth, Betancourt has one hit in nine at bats in spring training games. He’s gotten the ball out of the infield once.

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Kevin Kouzmanoff had reason to smile on Monday afternoon after a walkoff double. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-US PRESSWIRE

Remember how it seemed like the Royals were winning games in walkoff fashion twice a week last season? I guess old habits die hard.

Kevin Kouzmanoff ripped a pinch hit double to center field with two outs, scoring Mike Moustakas and winning run Wil Myers in the bottom of the ninth in the Royals second spring training game.

Players mobbed Kouzmanoff as the Royals finished off a comeback from an early 5-0 and 6-1 deficit.

Bruce Chen had the start with two innings of work planned, but gave up hits to 7 of the 12 batters he faced. Just one of the hits he gave up all day went for extra bases, but in the first inning a throwing error by Johnny Giavotella allowed Elvis Andrus to score from first on a single by Adrian Beltre. Ian Kinsler scored on the play as well as Beltre moved up to second, then scored after two more hits. Chen opened the second inning by getting a ground out but a Kinsler single followed by an Andrus triple got him in trouble. After Josh Hamilton made the second out of the inning, Ned Yost pulled Chen in favor of right-handed Louis Coleman to face Beltre, who singled, driving in Andrus.

After Jeff Francoeur and Lorenzo Cain hit back to back doubles to put the Royals on the board, the Rangers got the run back after two singles and a double off Mike Montgomery.

Montgomery wasn’t sharp in his first outing of spring – he threw just 18 strikes in 32 pitches – but he was able to induce a ground ball double play in his first inning and retired the Rangers in order in his second and last inning of work. Chris Dwyer also pitched and handled Texas. He did walk a batter, but nobody got a hit and he struck Luis Hernandez out looking on a slow curve.

The Royals scored twice in the fifth after an Alcides Escobar triple and Alex Gordon homer, then again in the sixth after Derrick Robinson punched a single through the infield with the bases loaded. Then, after three straight walks (and a 5-2 forceout/tagout) in the ninth, Kouzmanoff delivered his walk off shot.

Eric Hosmer had two singles and Wil Myers scored twice. Blake Wood, who’d shut down the Rangers with two ground outs and a strike out on six pitches, got the win.

The Royals have split squad action tomorrow, with games against the Padres and Indians both kicking off at 2:05 CST. Luke Hochevar and Will Smith (respectively) will start and are scheduled for two innings in their games. Jake Odorizzi and Noel Arguelles are also scheduled to pitch tomorrow.

3/5/12 Scorecard:

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Danny Duffy impressed last year as a non-roster invitee and was soon in the big leagues. Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

The Royals released their list of spring training non-roster invitees last week, and as usual the list is filled equally with promising young prospects and replacement level bargains. Many won’t make an impact on the 2012 Royals, but nonetheless it is an opportunity to impress the front office brass. A strong showing as a non-roster invitee can put a top prospect on the fast track.

Non-roster invitees are intriguing because they are all upside. Even established major leaguers who find themselves signed as non-roster invitees are promised nothing but an opportunity. There is nothing to lose, but everything to gain.

For instance, the Royals brought in 23 non-roster invitees in 2011, and only Tim Collins and Louis Coleman made the opening day roster. But they weren’t the only players who made an impression.

Fellow non-roster invitees Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Danny Duffy, Salvador Perez, Johnny Giavotella, and Luis Mendoza eventually played games for the Royals last year. Several other prospects, including Mike Montgomery, impressed as well.

So, you must be thinking, which non-roster invitees have the best chance to make an impact in 2012? How thoughtful of you to ask. I’ve put together my list, ranking each invitee from most to least likely to have an MLB impact this year. I’ll also give percentage odds for each player, in order to show which guys have earned the greatest share of my confidence in their ability to help this year’s Kansas City Royals.

What could be more scintillating than that?

Mike Montgomery – 85%

I’ve already given my thoughts on Montgomery here, so I’ll try to keep this short and sweet. Not only do I think the Royals need Montgomery to produce for the big league club this year, but I also think he almost surely will impress. I expect Montgomery to follow Danny Duffy’s 2011 trajectory and earn a major-league call-up sometime in May. Montgomery simply doesn’t need another full season in Omaha, and he possesses superior raw stuff to Duffy. It’s also important to remember that Duffy’s leapfrog of Montgomery last season was a notable shock. Montgomery remains the better prospect with the better stuff, and I think he’ll have a campaign that’s slightly better than Duffy’s 2011. And this is coming from a guy who thought Duffy positively impressed last season. Montgomery is all set to be a gem.

Kevin Kouzmanoff – 60%

This is where the meaning of the word ‘impact’ becomes skewed a bit. I have no delusions of grandeur regarding Kouzmanoff. Although once a promising prospect, Kouz is essentially a replacement level player at this point (career .300 OBP). At the same time I think he has a fighter’s chance to make the 25 man roster (as a backup to Mike Moustakas at third base), and he very well may be the only person on this list who is able to make that claim.

In order to have an impact, a player actually has to suit up for the team. Whether through an inspired spring performance, injury, or inconsistency, I’m 60% confident that Kouzmanoff will play in 40 or more games for the Royals this season. If that becomes the case, then I am 95% confident that I will inevitably unleash a drunken, expletive-laden tirade against Kouzmanoff this summer when he is mired in a 0-21 spell and sporting a .285 OBP.

Wil Myers – 39%

Ok, hear me out here. Alex Gordon, Jeff Francouer, and Lorenzo Cain will be the starting outfield for the opening day Royals, barring injury. The next best available options appear to be Mitch Maier, Jarrod Dyson, and David Lough.  Each of those guys has their merits, but none of them are Wil Myers.

Here’s a question for you: why can’t Myers be this year’s version of Eric Hosmer? Myers is 21 years old, or to put it a different way, the same age Hosmer was at the beginning of last season. Myers also played last season at Northwest Arkansas, the same level Hosmer reached in 2010 before being placed on the fast track.

Wil Myers played in the Futures game last year, and could potentially play for the Royals this year. Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

Like Hosmer in 2010, Myers dominated in the subsequent Arizona Fall League. Sure, his numbers don’t stack up with Hosmer’s Double-A figures. But Myers had some extenuating circumstances. He suffered a nasty knee injury after a fluky spill at the beginning of the season, and struggled to regain his form afterwards. But like Hosmer, the physical tools are still there: the quick bat, the plate discipline, and the rocket arm have not gone anywhere. Plus, Myers has already played twice as many games at Double-A as Hosmer did. The Royals moved Myers from catcher so that he could progress quickly through the system, and with a strong spring, I think they’ll give him the same chance Hosmer did to shoot through the system like a meteor. Furthermore, after last season, Myers has something to prove. I expect to see him with the Royals by the end of the season, even if it’s just for a cup of coffee.

Max Ramirez – 29%

Here’s a guy who I have had trouble deciding on. He should probably be placed further down this list, since he is ostensibly behind Salvador Perez, Brayan Pena, and Manny Pina on the depth chart. But he is a career .867 OPS hitter in the minor leagues. And since he’s played 646 games in the minors over eight seasons, I’d venture to say that his offensive numbers aren’t a mirage built on small sample size. That .867 OPS is 100 points better than Pena’s minor league total, and 200 points over what Pina has produced thus far.

I guess what I’m trying to say is, I would not be overly shocked if the Royals cut bait with Pena and Ramirez emerges as Perez’ backup this season. Keep in mind that Perez is young and fresh, and may not need more than 30 games off behind the dish this season. Wouldn’t it be nice to finally have some pop and patience at the catcher position? Even if Ramirez is utilized primarily as a pinch hitter, I see some value there. Oh, and while writing this piece, I learned that Ramirez’ given first name is Maximiliano. So there’s also that to inspire confidence.

Irving Falu – 26%

I know what the most cynical and sarcastic of fans will say here: “whenever you can get a 28 year old career minor leaguer with a .696 career OPS into the lineup you’ve got to seize the opportunity.” I know that’s what you’re thinking because it was exactly what I first thought upon seeing Falu’s name among the non-roster invitees. But then I realized that the primary backup infielders will probably be some combination of Kouzmanoff, Yuniesky Betancourt, and Chris Getz, and I suddenly began reconsidering Falu’s candidacy in earnest. And there are some things to like about Falu.

For instance, did you know that he’s recorded more walks than strikeouts during his minor league career? Or that he has logged games at all three outfield spots, second base, shortstop, and third base? Or that 2011 was his best statistical season? I’m not saying he’s a lock to contribute or anything, but I think assuming he’s still with the organization, that he’ll be the first middle infielder recalled if there is an injury. If that’s not a ringing endorsement then I don’t know what is.

Chris Dwyer – 25%

Hey, I’m not saying I’m banking on it, but I would not be shocked to see Dwyer make a couple of starts for the Royals in 2012. After pitching four games for Northwest Arkansas in 2010, Dwyer remained in Double-A for the entirety of 2011. Although he struggled during the first half, Dwyer turned it on in the second half and actually out-produced highly touted prospect Jake Odorizzi while both were toiling for Northwest Arkansas. Dwyer also has more strikeouts than walks in his career, so the stuff is there. If the front office believes that the second half Dwyer is the real version, then he could be a fast riser this season.

Zach Miner – 20%

Sure he doesn’t strike out anybody, and he is still working his way back from a major injury in 2010. I get that. But looking at Miner with squinted eyes, I also see that Miner has a 25-20 career record in the major leagues to accompany his 4.24 cumulative ERA. Once you see the other pitchers on this list, and their career major league experience, you’ll see why Miner is so high up this list.

Will Smith – 16%

Smith would probably be above Dwyer on this list if my intuition hadn’t led me to believe Dwyer will have a breakout season. Smith, though, did plenty well for himself at Northwest Arkansas in 2011. Smith put up a 13-9 record and a 3.85 ERA in a full season of Double-A, and was probably the best pitcher on NWA’s staff. Also going for Smith is the fact that he’s already pitched (albeit poorly) in Triple-A while in the Angels system. There’s no reason that Smith should go back to Northwest Arkansas next year, which means that he will be among the pitchers in Omaha with the best chance to get a late season or injury-induced call-up. I’d say that’s makes him about a 16% chance to make an impact on the big league club.

Jake Odorizzi – 7%

Odorizzi is clearly a year away, and that is not a bad thing. He got roughed up a little bit in his introduction to Double-A last year after torching High-A Wilmington. Odorizzi won’t turn 22 until March, so another season spent between Northwest Arkansas and Omaha could still be constructive for one of the organization’s top young prospects. There is still an outside chance that

Tony Abreu – 6%

I’m just not seeing it with Abreu. Give me Falu every day of the week. Abreu can’t hit and doesn’t walk. He owns a career .279 OBP. He should be purely minor league filler. Major league service time alone places him above the other names on this list.

Greg Golson – 5%

The best thing Golson has going for him is his versatility. He’s played all three outfield positions in the minors and possesses a enough speed to make him dangerous on the base paths. Unfortunately, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Golson has been struck out a whopping 941 times in his minor league career, against just 207 walks. Myers, Jarrod Dyson, and David Lough are simply better players than Golson and will get any call-up before him.

Cody Clark, Paulo Orlando, Tommy Hottovy, Francisley Bueno Julio Rodriguez – 0.00%

None of these guys has a chance to crack the big league roster in 2012. Frankly, their inclusion among the non-roster invitees seems a bit dubious. I’m not even going to sugarcoat it: when I saw Francisley Bueno’s name mentioned among the camp invites, I had no idea who he was. None at all. What is he doing at major league camp?

But I guess that’s the nature of non-roster invitees. There are no expectations. If Dayton Moore wants to bring in a guy whose name translates to “good”, then by all means he should be empowered to do so. And if Bueno somehow turns into Ricky Vaughn, then I will happily eat crow.

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Pitchers: Mike Montgomery, Chris Dwyer, Jake Odorizzi, Will Smith, Francisely Bueno, Tommy Hottovy, Zach Miner

Catchers: Cody Clark, Max Ramirez, Julio Rodriguez

Outfielders:  Wil Myers, Greg Golson, Paulo Orlando

Infielders: Tony Abreu, Irving Falu and Kevin Kouzmanoff

I don’t think I’m alone in saying I want to see what Montgomery and Myers can do in MLB camp but realistically both in my opinion won’t be in Kansas City until after the all-star break. From a practical standpoint I think the team needs the versatile Falu to have a good camp to help the bench. Lastly let’s be realistic, Kouzmanoff was signed to be in KC so this is his tryout to be the team’s backup to Moose at third.

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Due to some scheduling coordination problems, we were unable to have Willie Aikens on the Royalman Report as we had hoped (he is working with us to reschedule an appearance tentatively for January 29), but the show must go on. On this week’s show, we talked about the players who are heading to Arizona and those who’ve already arrived, new Royals arrivals to Twitter, and a recap of Fake Ned Yost‘s night at the Challenge Your Fashion auction, the annual event coordinated by Mark Teahen and Luke Hochevar to benefit the YMCA Challenger Athletic Complex.

Our evening wasn’t without a special guest though. Two loyal fans of the show and huge Royals fans stopped by – literally HOURS after their wedding. The new Mr. and Mrs. Lance and Jenny Otto (@NorthMoRoyal and @Future_Mrs_A1) had a seat on the couch and talked marriage, weddings, the Royals and we were glad to have them join us. (Part of the show involved a sharing of wedding photos and pictures from the Challenge Your Fashion event and can be seen on Youtube at this link.)

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The deal could be worth as much as $1.3 million if he meets those incentives. The agreement also gives him an opt out provision if he isn’t in the big leagues by May 1.

Kouzmanoff was regarded as one of the Padres better young players after he was acquired from the Indians. In his first full season in 2007, he hit .270 and had 18 homers as a 25-year-old. In his first four seasons with the Padres (and later A’s), he had at least 30 doubles each season and at least 70 RBI, but he doesn’t get on base much (.300 career OBP) and his power isn’t enough to offset that shortcoming. He’s bounced around the majors the last few years and will turn 31 next season.

The Royals may still opt to have a 13-man bullpen in 2012 for most or part of the season, so that limits how Kouzmanoff could stick on a big league bench. The Royals previously signed Yuniesky Betancourt to play a sort of utility role that could see him get time at third base as well.

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