Jimmy Paredes Brings His Versatility to the Royals Roster

With Lorenzo Cain on the disabled list, and Jarrod Dyson on the bereavement list, the Kansas City Royals desperately needed another outfielder. The Royals also, through carrying five outfielders at the start of the season, have a need for a backup infielder. In Jimmy Paredes, who was called up yesterday, the Royals have a solution to both problems.

Feb 24, 2014; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals outfielder Jimmy Paredes poses for a portrait during photo day at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Even though Justin Marks was originally called up when Cain was placed on the disabled list, it is lot more likely that Paredes remains with the team until he is able to return. Capable of playing around the diamond, Parades has displayed that versatility for the Omaha Storm Chasers this season. In his eleven games, he has spent time at left, right, third, short and second. Parades also has experience playing in center, with 19 games there during his time in the minors in 2012.

That versatility was a major reason as to why Jimmy Paredes was called up to Kansas City. It certainly caught the attention of Ned Yost, who appears to regard Paredes as a valuable insurance policy.

"“He can play multiple positions,” Yost said. “Third base, second, all three outfield positions. If something happened at short we’d probably move Omar (Infante) to short and let him play second.”"

Now, with Paredes on the roster, the Royals do not need to worry about such situations and Danny Valencia playing second base, or the possibility of Mike Moustakas at short. Likewise, they are covered in the outfield in case someone gets injured, minimizing the chances of having Eric Hosmer going to right and Billy Butler playing at first. Bringing Paredes to Kansas City helps circumvent a lot of potential problems.

Although Jimmy Paredes will likely be in Kansas City until Lorenzo Cain returns, he is likely to be a valuable asset to the Royals. That versatility should be quite useful to a team in need of depth on their bench.