That being said, I’ve not had much of a chance to watch Tony Abreu play. Here’s his offensive slash line in the 19 games he’s appeared in this season:

.266/.273/.375/.648

I don’t pretend to be able to make an assessment of defensive ability, so if you’ve got an opinion on that, throw it out there. But when questioning whether Abreu should be retained on the 40-man roster next season, I have to ask the question: Can you tell the difference between Abreu and Irving Falu?

Here’s Falu’s line in 20 games:

.375/.384/.486/.870

Falu has been a lot more successful offensively this season in a similar, albeit small sample size of games and plate appearances. Again, my ability to assess Falu’s defensive capabilities is limited based on my inability to watch the games and or decipher advanced defensive metrics. However, a quick eye test tells me that both Falu and Abreu are fairly similar in physical capabilities. They both throw right-handed and they both switch-hit. They both have last names that end in “u.” Falu is 29 and Abreu is 27 which means that they’re both probably too old to become much more than decent fill-in guys.

Honestly? These guys are the same player to me, which means I only think we need one of them on the bench when next year rolls around. I think I like what I’ve (briefly) seen from Falu more than what I’ve seen from Abreu. If you’re an Abreu apologist or someone that thinks both guys need a spot on the bench or even the 40-man roster, explain yourself to me. Otherwise, I think Falu has more value than Abreu.

Thus ends a notorious period of questionable defense, low on base percentages and general scorn from fans. Betancourt was signed this offseason to a $2 million contract for 2012 with the goal of using him as a utility player.

To fill his spot, the Royals called up Tony Abreu, who played shortstop mostly in Omaha. He’s hitting .322/.347/.492 as a Storm Chaser in 453 plate appearances.

After the game, Ned Yost said that Betancourt was wanting more playing time and his attitude wasn’t fitting in the locker room.

Mar 22, 2012; Tempe, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals infielder Tony Abreu at bat during the third inning against the Chicago White Sox at The Ballpark at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-US PRESSWIRE

With the score tied at 1-1, Tony Abreu hit a three-run homerun in the 5th inning to push Omaha to a 4-2 victory over Reno. That blast made a winner of Ryan Verdugo, who allowed two runs on four hits and three walks over six innings. He struck out six.

The Storm Chasers first three hitters, Irving Falu, Johnny Giavotella, and Abreu went a combined 6-for-12 with four runs scored and four RBIs.

A four-run top of the 3rd inning prevailed NW Arkansas over Tulsa, 6-3 (in 111 degree heat). Kevin Kouzmanoff hit a grand slam with two outs off Colorado Rockies rehabber Jhoulys Chacin.

That blast made a winner of Michael Mariot, who has been the Naturals best pitcher. Mariot allowed two runs on seven hits and a walk over seven innings.

The bottom of the Naturals order, Rey Navarro and Alex McClure, combined to go 4-for-6 with McClure scoring two runs.

Wilmington was the lone KC Royals full season affiliate to lose on Thursday. They were clinging to a 4-3 lead heading into the bottom of the 8th inning, but saw Winston-Salem come back with a three-spot en route to their 6-4 loss.

Most of the Blue Rocks offense came from the top four in the order (Orlando Calixte, Brett Eibner, Matt Fields, and Lane Adams), who went a combined 10-for-18 with four runs scored and four doubles. Unfortunately, the team combined to go just 2-for-16 with runners in scoring position.

Kane County held on for a 7-5 victory over Beloit. The Snappers scored four runs in the bottom of the 9th inning with just one out, but could not at least tie the game.

Edwin Carl, who was just sent back to the Cougars, made the start and allowed just three hits and one walk over four innings.

On offense for the Cougars, Tim Ferguson went 3-for-4 with two RBIs. Alex Llanos and Dean Espy each collected two hits.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling hit a solo homerun in the top of the first inning, as Burlington cruised to a 15-5 victory over Elizabethton. Starling went 3-for-6 with two runs scored (the Royals collected 27 hits). On the downside, he committed his third error of the season.

Tony Abreu hit a grand slam in the Storm Chasers five-run 5th inning and Wil Myers hit a three-run homerun in their five-run 7th inning. Abreu and Myers (the Storm Chasers 3-4 hitters) went 5-for-9 with four runs scored and nine RBIs.

It was a cool 106 degrees at game time.

Sugar Ray Marimon

NW Arkansas ended July on a high note, with a 7-1 victory to open their three-game series in Tulsa. Sugar Ray Marimon improved to 2-3 in Double-A, with seven shutout innings. He allowed three hits and three walks.

The Naturals offense collected 14 hits, with every starter (but Carlo Testa) picking up a hit. Manny Pina hit a three-run homerun in the 5th inning (3-for-5).

Just like in OKC, it was a cool 108 degrees at game time.

NW Arkansas and Wilmington swapped relievers, as Sam Runion was promoted and Nick Rogers was sent back to Wilmington. At the time of Rogers’ promotion, I thought that Runion should have been the one receiving the promotion. If it had been a month earlier, I would have picked Rogers. Hopefully Rogers can get his command back (16 walks in 9.2 innings with the Naturals).

Wilmington started their road trip with a 2-0 loss in Winston-Salem. The Dash scored a single run in the first inning and never looked back. Andy Ferguson was the hard luck loser, as he allowed the two runs on six hits and two walks over seven innings. He struck out eight.

Angel Franco returned from the DL to go 2-for-4 (the Blue Rocks only had four hits).

A six-run bottom of the 2nd inning did in Kane County, as they lost to Beloit, 9-4. The Cougars scored all their runs in the final two innings.

The Cougars collected 12 hits, but went just 3-for-13 with runners in scoring position. Kevin David raised his average to .200 as he went 2-for-4. Their 3-4 hitters, Jorge Bonifacio and Julio Aparicio, went 5-for-10.

The KC Royals top pick in this June’s draft, Kyle Zimmer, allowed six runs on six hits and three walks over just two innings in his second start in Low-A.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in Burlington’s 1-0 loss to Princeton.

April was a good month for a lot of the higher profile prospects and some less-touted players had strong performances. That’s what we’ll look at today.

Omaha Storm Chasers (17-8)

Hitter of the Month: Tony Abreu

Abreu put up a .340/.364/.491 line and drove in 17 runs. He scattered extra base hits all month, with a pair of triples and homers and six doubles. He could be an option if the Royals find themselves facing an injury at the big league level. He’s played exclusively at shortstop (save one game at DH) but he could play any infield position if necessary.

Pitcher of the Month: Nathan Adcock

In his first appearance of 2012 at the big league level, Adcock stepped in for Bruce Chen after a rough day and continued solid pitching that started in Omaha. Across four starts for the Storm Chasers, he covered 26.1 innings and gave up just four runs. He’s been difficult to hit but he hasn’t struck many batters out. His career minor league strikeout rate is 7.1 K/9 but he’s only struck out 4.8 per nine innings in one month. He held his own at the big league level as a Rule 5 pick last year so he could be a good emergency starter/long relief option, though he may not be someone with a high ceiling. That’s okay. There’s always a spot somewhere for an organizational warrior.

Northwest Arkansas Naturals (12-12)

Hitter of the Month: Wil Myers

It’s great news to have Wil Myers in the running for a monthly recognition considering the way his 2011 started. After a strong fall league performance, Myers is keeping the momentum going and then some. He’s a slugging machine and has been improving on already strong numbers. In his first 11 games, Myers struck out 18 times. In his last ten he’s only struck out seven. He has 14 extra base hits – eight doubles and six homers. Last year, he had eight homers all season in Double A. If he keeps up this pace, I’d be very surprised to see him anywhere but Omaha come mid-June if not sooner. He’s been playing some center field too, and if he can adjust to a more demanding outfield position defensively, he’ll be even more valuable as a prospect.

Pitcher of the Month: Jake Odorizzi

Another big prospect name. Odorizzi gets this nod because he’s held back by one bad outing. On April 12 he threw just .2 innings and gave up four runs. Without that start, though, his ERA would stand at 2.74. Even at his 4.18 ERA with the bad game, his FIP is a solid 2.47. He hasn’t allowed many runners – he only has a 1.14 WHIP – but they’ve scored at a high rate. Only 55.6% have been stranded. As long as Odorizzi is avoiding allowing runners, the innings will climb and the runs against will even out and he’ll look a lot better on paper. He’s struck out 29 in 23.2 innings.

Wilmington Blue Rocks (10-13)

Hitter of the Month: Angel Franco

Franco has been hanging around the Royals system for a few years after signing in 2006. His career line to this point sits at .271/.339/.353 but in limited time in High A, he’s hitting a strong .375/.453/.446 in 18 games. He’s not going to be a power hitter, but he’s been a base-stealing threat at every level. So far this year, he’s walking more than he has typically and striking out less as well. He’s getting to an age where he can fill out and mature and if he keeps it up, could be a sleeper prospect going forward.

Pitcher of the Month: Jason Adam

His last start wasn’t great (six earned runs in four innings) but Jason Adam’s overall numbers still look great. In five starts, he threw 26.2 innings, striking out 25 and walking just eight. He’s impressed scouts and writers while pitching in a higher level in his second season of pro action. Control was a strong point last year in Kane County (2.2 BB/9) and so far it’s still a strong point (2.7 BB/9). He’s been striking out more batters per nine innings though, and has been inducing more ground balls than last year (54% vs. 45%). Adam has given up a hit 37% of the time when the ball is put into play, which suggests he may have been unlucky to this point if that regresses to the norm of around 30% historically. Those are fantastic signs for a young pitcher. Limiting walks + increased strikeout rate + increased ground ball rate is a recipe for potential breakout.

Kane County Cougars (11-14)

Hitter of the Month: Jorge Bonifacio

There have been many candidates for best hitter in Kane County. Lane Adams, Justin Trapp and Daniel Mateo are all hammering the ball right now. Bonifacio, though, gets the nod because he’s the most highly regarded of the group. Many picked him as a sleeper breakout candidate and he’s lived up to the acclaim. His .340/.415/.443 line is strong and his plate discipline has improved. In 2011 he walked 6.2% of the time. This year, he’s drawing a walk 10.8% of the time but it hasn’t caused him to get passive at the plate. He’s still ripped 32 hits.

Pitcher of the Month: Santiago Garrido

Garrido has been in the Royals organization since early 2007 and this is his first sign of success. So far he has a 4.87 career ERA and Kane County is his highest level of competition, but so far, he has a 0.84 ERA in 21.1 innings. He’s shown the ability to get ground balls (50% or better GB rate since 2009), but walks too many to be the real deal so far (4.2 BB/9 career). He’s worth keeping an eye on though just in case he’s put it all together.

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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