Royalsblog

Utility infielder Yuniesky Betancourt was signed to a one year, $2 million deal by the Royals.  The former Royal spent 2011 in Milwaukee where he was the regular shortstop.  At least they’re calling him a utility guy because Betancourt has primarily played shortstop through his career.    The Royals already had a shortstop though so Betancourt looks like he’ll either be the fill in guy or he could start at second base.

He does have some incentives where if he’s in a full time role, he’ll pick up an extra $500,000.  Still, hitting isn’t Betancourt’s strong point.  The best season of his career was 2007 and that year he had an OPS+ of 93.  His career mark is 82.  He doesn’t draw a lot of walks and he has a pretty hollow batting average although the last couple of years he’s been in double digits in home runs.

The Royals shored up their bullpen by signing former Minnesota Twins left handed reliever Jose Mijares.  He had a pretty mediocre season last year and the Twins didn’t tender him a contract so the Royals locked him up for $925,000.  His best season by far was 2009 when he pitched in 71 games with an ERA of 2.34.
Mijares is a true LOOGY.  He has 186 games pitched and just 153 2/3 innings.  He doesn’t strike out many games for a reliever (118) but he’s held left handed hitters to a .212 batting average throughout his short career.  Righties handle him though with an OPS against of .776.  That’s why you don’t see him in there as often for full innings.