Johnny Giavotella

[aburt19]

The Royals recalled Johnny Giavotella today from the minor leagues where he was batting .331 with 5 HR and 25 RBI
in 31 games. The Royals weren't happy with his defense last year and appeared to want him to improve on defense
when he was sent down.

The question is whether he is worth picking up or is just up for a short time until Betancourt comes back from his sprained
ankle? The context is a 10 team AL only league. I've got Jamey Carroll at MI and in addition to the fact that he is well, Jamey
Carroll, the call up of Brian Dozier may mean fewer AB.

Thanks.

[Todd Zola]

When Giavotella was sent down, I dropped him to about 50% playing time hitting lower in the order, about 50% playing time.

If pressed, my "prediction" would have been take the over.

Obviously, this is assuming he hits, but if he does, the job is Giavotella's.

[Captain Hook]

I like Giovatella and he can definitely hit.....obviously the Royals need more offense (in addition to a whole new pitching staff) but Johnny had a good first month and put in the work and obviously they think he can help and will give him some at bats and see what happens.

DON'T assume he will get you full time at bats in the short term
(but then again how much does he have to play to contribute more than a Carroll who is losing playing time)

[aburt19]

The official word from the Royals is that he will play primarily against left handed pitchers.

[CubFan]

Don't blow your FAAB on him. Yost still prefers Getz at 2B for his defense. Beginning to wonder if they have soured on Giavotella. Might as well trade him since he's hitting as he'll lose trade value if they continue shuttling him back and forth. And from reading between the lines in the KC Star article it won't surprise me if he gets sent back down went Bentancourt comes off the DL. For some reason they are in love with him. They like the pop in his bat and versatility.

[aburt19]

Don't blow your FAAB on him. Yost still prefers Getz at 2B for his defense. Beginning to wonder if they have soured on Giavotella. Might as well trade him since he's hitting as he'll lose trade value if they continue shuttling him back and forth. And from reading between the lines in the KC Star article it won't surprise me if he gets sent back down went Bentancourt comes off the DL. For some reason they are in love with him. They like the pop in his bat and versatility.

I don't understand the love for Betancourt. His career OPS is .6843.

[AllstonRockCity]

Don't blow your FAAB on him. Yost still prefers Getz at 2B for his defense. Beginning to wonder if they have soured on Giavotella. Might as well trade him since he's hitting as he'll lose trade value if they continue shuttling him back and forth. And from reading between the lines in the KC Star article it won't surprise me if he gets sent back down went Bentancourt comes off the DL. For some reason they are in love with him. They like the pop in his bat and versatility.

I don't understand the love for Betancourt. His career OPS is .6843.

This is why they are the KC Royals.

[CubFan]

Don't blow your FAAB on him. Yost still prefers Getz at 2B for his defense. Beginning to wonder if they have soured on Giavotella. Might as well trade him since he's hitting as he'll lose trade value if they continue shuttling him back and forth. And from reading between the lines in the KC Star article it won't surprise me if he gets sent back down went Bentancourt comes off the DL. For some reason they are in love with him. They like the pop in his bat and versatility.

I don't understand the love for Betancourt. His career OPS is .6843.

This is why they are the KC Royals.

Exactly. Many Royal's fans have hollered loud and clear that the front office doesn't get the idea of OBP and OPS. It's been going on for the last couple of decades. Giavotella is not much different as his OBP last year when he was with the Royals was less than .300.

[aburt19]

I don't understand the love for Betancourt. His career OPS is .6843.

This is why they are the KC Royals.

Exactly. Many Royal's fans have hollered loud and clear that the front office doesn't get the idea of OBP and OPS. It's been going on for the last couple of decades. Giavotella is not much different as his OBP last year when he was with the Royals was less than .300.[/quote]

But Giavotella's number were over about 150 AB and his minor league numbers would indicate that his OBP is likely to improve.
Betancourt's numbers are for at least 5 years and are unlikely to improve dramatically.

[aburt19]

Just to show how much the Royals don't want Giavotella at 2B, Getz got hurt and hasn't played Thursday or Friday.
But Giavotella DHd both nights (Hosmer was given a two game break) and Falu played 2B. Unless Giavotella hits something
like .350, he's not going to play 2B at the major league level this year.