Chris Getz Time With the Royals is Over

Aug 20, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Conor Gillaspie (12) is out at second base as Kansas City Royals second baseman Chris Getz (17) turns a double play in the seventh inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

From 2010 through 2012, the face of the frustrations of the Royals fanbase was Chris Getz. Rightly or wrongly, this little second baseman who really did not provide much in the way of offense, but was beloved by the coaching staff for his grittiness, became the symbol of what was wrong with the Royals offense. Seeing Getz, whose below mediocre offense and average defense regularly inserted into the starting lineup, was enough to drive Royals fans insane.

Now, after putting together a .248/.305/.295 batting line over four seasons with the Royals, Getz has been non-tendered, making the former starting second baseman the first Royals player to officially be denied arbitration before the 11:00pm deadline tonight. With options such as Emilio Bonifacio (who is also up for arbitration) Johnny Giavotella and the possibility of Christian Colon getting a look in Spring Training, there was simply no room on the 40 man roster for Getz.

The other problem with Chris Getz remaining on the 40 man roster is that he only plays one position – second base. Throughout his six major league seasons, Getz has played a total of six games at other positions, appearing four times at short in 2011 and twice at third in 2010. It is one thing to carry a markedly below average bat on the roster if he can play other positions, but that lack of versatility may have, more than anything else, cost Getz his roster spot.

It is likely that a team could give Getz a chance to prove that he could be a utility infielder. If he can be average defensively at multiple positions across the diamond, that would certainly be valuable. With position flexibility added to his speed and ability to make contact, Getz could be a nice backup infielder on a team with a solid offense.

However, it may be fair to wonder if Chris Getz can actually become that type of player. If he does, it will be some place else, as his time with the Royals has come to an end.