Kansas City Royals Ink MLB Veteran Kevin Kouzmanoff To Minor League Deal

This morning it was announced that the Kansas City Royals have signed six-year major league veteran Kevin Kouzmanoff to a minor league deal, with an invitation to spring training. It wouldn't be an off season in the Royals organization without bringing in a retread third basemen to see what they have left.

However this one is different as Kouzmanoff may actually have some ability left in the tank. The 30-year old originally was drafted by Central Division foe, the Cleveland Indians in the sixth round of the 2003 draft.

Kouzmanoff isn't the best hitter out there but does have a decent bat, hitting 75 home runs in a four year stretch from 2007-10. His low batting average and strikeout rate are likely reasons why he is now on his fifth organization since 2006.

Defensively he can hold his own and will provide solid insurance for Mike Moustakas. What I like most of this move is it doesn't necessarily mean the Royals are handing over the car keys to Yuniesky Betancourt as the backup third basemen.

Kouzmanoff can opt out of his contract with the Royals should he not be on the major league roster on May 1st, but with two solid months of spring training and some early season baseball, we will have a clearer indication of what roles Betancourt and Kouzmanoff will play for this team moving forward.

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