The second base spot for the Royals seems to be the one spot on the field, where the Royals are not set going into season. Even as late as a week and a half ago, the Royals were in contract discussions with type A free agent Orlando Hudson. Unfortunately the Royals could not come to terms with Hudson and he signed with the Dodgers (the same team who outbid the Royals several months ago for Rafael Furcal). Let’s take a look at the Royals’ current second base options.

Fighting for a Big League Spot:

Let’s start with Mark Teahen. I am starting with Teahen because ideally the organization probably doesn’t want to play 3+ million a year for a guy who will be serving as a utility man. Teahen is bigger than the prototypical second basemen and I’d be very surprised if he showed the ability to play an average second base, however, Teahen has already successfully transitioned to right field from third, and then to left so it may be unwise to bet against him. I am not going to hold my breath though.

Next there is free agent acquisition Willie Bloomquist. Bloomquist for seven years served as a utility man for the Mariners in a Craig Counsell type mold and it wasn’t til last season that he showed an above average ability to get on base (.377 OBP compared to a career .322 OBP). I think Bloomquist would best serve this team in a utility role and not as an everyday starter. But part of me expects him to somehow win the starting job by May, and become Ross Gload part 2.

Finally we get to Alberto Callaspo. Callaspo in my mind has the most potential to be a solid everyday second basemen, however the guy just can’t seem to get his act together. After being traded to Kansas City after a domestic dispute, he was removed from the team last season due to reported alcohol related issues. Then to make matters worse Callaspo was late to acquire his visa, and as a result was the last to report to camp this spring. If Teahen can’t cut it at second, I would prefer Callaspo be given the starting job entering the season.

Pinch Fillers:

Tug Hulett was recently claimed off waivers from the Mariners. He has some promise and in the minors has posted a strong average, on base percentage and slugging percentage throughout his career. If a man goes down on the big league club, I expect to see Hulett get the call.

Keep Your Eye On:

Johnny Giavotella: For whatever reason Giavotella has had my eye from the start. Last season he was drafted in the second round, and the promptly reported to Low A Burlington of the Midwest League where he flirted with a .300 batting average all season long. Giavotella is rated as the 11th best prospect in the Royals organization according to Baseball America and appears to be on a fast track due to the lack of depth at second base in the organization. I expect Giavotella to rise quickly through the system and if all goes well could make it to Kansas City sometime in 2010. Unfortunately Giavotella is the only prospect in the minors that really excited me as a future second basemen.