As if the spring couldn’t get any worse for Kansas City Royals fan than losing closer Joakim Soria to season ending Tommy John surgery, 2nd baseman Johnny Giavotella was sent to the minors on Sunday.
This re-opens the door for Chris Getz and Yuniesky Betancourt to get more playing time. Anyone excited? Didn’t think so.
Now, I am in now way praising Giavotella’s play in 2011, but I would take his “youth” and potential over the known *cough* commodities of Chris Getz and Yuniesky Betancourt.
While with the big-club in 2011, Giavotella only hit .247 with a .273 OBP and an OPS of .649, while striking out 32 times in 44 games, with 5 errors, to boot.
I will still take Gio’s numbers, with power and RBI potential over Getz’s .255 BA, .313 OBP, .600 OPS, knowing Chris has ZERO chance to leave the park or drive in a run.
Rob Neyer (link below), asks why the Royals are giving struggling Mike Moustakas such a long leash, but not giving the same considerations to Giavotella. On the spring, Moose has a .211 batting average with one extra-base hit in 38 at-bats.
Well, sorry Johnny, life isn’t fair; Moose is younger, was drafted #2 overall and is (was?) projected to be a big-time power hitter in this league.
Either way, Royals fans were just dealt more hard-luck in 2012…
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Gio being sent to the minors is good.
Very disappointing, I was hoping this would be his year to shine.
As did I, my friend… The dominoes just seem to keep tumbling…