NFL Tickets
When I wrote a while back about the pointlessness of signing Carlos Peguero, I pointed out that Peguero was the seventh outfielder on the Kansas City Royals‘ 40-man roster. Jimmy Paredes now makes for No. 8, as he signs with KC just days after the Royals let go of Emilio Bonifacio, their only proven utility infielder. Amidst an otherwise promising series of roster moves throughout this offseason, the outfield situation continues to obfuscate KC’s plans in 2014.
After an admittedly promising stint at 22 years old with the Houston Astros in 2011 (a .286 average with 12 extra-base hits), Paredes has failed to produce an MLB batting average above .200. In limited playing time with Houston during the 2012 and 2013 season, Paredes did nothing to inspire the Astros to make a further investment.
What do the Royals plan to do with all these marginally successful outfielders? Proven, influential players already make up the large majority of the soon-to-be 25-man roster, and Royals personnel have been quick to point out that all these newcomer outfielders have at least an option left. This means the moves are almost surely only necessary for franchise depth.
Unless you think one of these guys will prove himself more valuable than Justin Maxwell (they won’t) or Jarrod Dyson (not gonna happen), there’s just no room for them on the regular season roster. I shouldn’t be complaining, I suppose. I’m still just bitter about losing a legitimate asset in Bonifacio for the sake of clearing space for guys who (probably) won’t ever make an impact on the major league team.
I’ll hold my tongue for now and rightfully assume GM Dayton Moore knows the process better than myself. Emilio, who was without an option, will be appreciated by the Chicago Cubs and the Royals will move forward with some always-necessary franchise depth.
We’re only four days away from KC’s first Spring Training game with the Texas Rangers, by the way. With a combination of Kansas Jayhawks drama and old episodes of Mad Men, I’ve somehow brought the end of this awful winter within sight with a portion of my sanity still intact. Frankly, I’m surprised.
Doug LaCerte is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DLaC67, “Like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.
Share 
