Well by now you know the Kansas City Royals have brought back Yuniesky Betancourt. There won't be much background information needed as we all know who he is and what he does (or doesn't) bring to the table.
I was really hoping it wouldn't come to this. As you may remember last week I was really trying to push the idea of the Royals signing Edgar Renteria as a backup utility infielder. A proven veteran, former All-Star, with post season experience.
Well the Royals went out on the market and brought back Betancourt, he who did make the postseason last year with the Milwaukee Brewers. But as you know, it wasn't as if Betancourt was the key cog who pushed the Brewers into the postseason, he was more or less there by chance.
I'm okay with the terms and the financials. One year and $2 million with some other possible incentives tossed in as well. What I was hoping was the Royals were turning the corner. This seems like a punch to the gut. However you can attempt to look at that signing a couple of different ways.
I was hoping that the Royals were past the point were they signed players such as Betancourt whose calling card is that he has the distinct inability to take a walk, and provides less than stellar defense. This is not something you want to see from your utility infielder.
However, as long as Betancourt is behind the scenes and not stealing any quality at-bats, and most importantly deterring the growth of better all around players, I am ok with this move. I don't like it, but I can accept it.
Now if he starts more than 25 games next season, I reserve the right to pull my hair out. Hopefully it doesn't come to that.
You can totally redeem yourself Dayton Moore, if you make a strong push (and offer) to Roy Oswalt before he signs elsewhere.