In the third installment of reviewing the Kansas City Royals 40 man roster we look today at second base. Chris Getz and Mike Aviles are currently the only second basemen on this years team. Alberto Callaspo and Willie Bloomquist were both traded at different points last season.
Chris Getz is a 27 year old who was obtained last off season along with Josh Fields in the trade that sent Mark Teahen to the Chicago White Sox. Getz, who has just over a full season worth of big league games under his belt, played his college baseball at both Wake Forest and Michigan. Getz doesn't have much offense to speak of but wasn't bad defensively is his half season with the Royals last year and has solid speed going 41 for 46 in stolen bases so far in his big league career.
The other second basemen is Mike Aviles. Aviles, who will be turning 30 during spring training, was a seventh round draft selection by the Royals in 2003 from Concordia College. He is often mentioned for the meager $1,000 signing bonus he received during a period of time when Kansas City was really lean with their draft budget. Mike seemingly came out of nowhere in 2008, finishing fourth in the Rookie of the Year voting. Known for his offense, Aviles put up a .325 average with 10 home runs and 51 RBI that season in 102 games. Aviles has struggled since his rookie campaign, but 2011 is hopefully his big return after having gone through the process of returning from Tommy John Surgery he had in 2009.
There is no question that Getz has great speed, but I am not confident that his offense will ever be at the level that you want him as your everyday second basemen. Meanwhile Aviles, doesn't have the speed of Getz, but is a quality offensive player. Most say Getz has the better glove, but Aviles' glovework flies under the radar. Last season his UZR/150 was 3.9, while Getz's was 1.9.
I hope Aviles is able to hold down the job in 2011 at second base, but I feel the Royals will also want to see what Getz can do, as last year he only played 72 games because of injury. I've also seen rumblings that the Royals could potentially look at moving Aviles in a trade, however I would be hesitant in doing so until you see how minor leaguers Johnny Giavotella and Christian Colon progress in higher levels of the minors. Colon, a shortstop will likely move to second base after the acquisition of Alcides Escobar.
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