Position by Position: 2nd Baseman

Alberto Callaspo- Callaspo was acquired before the 08 season in a trade for pitcher Billy Buckner. At the time I liked the trade because Buckner was a #5 starter while Bert had won batting titles in the minors. He had some trouble in the off-field altercation department, but still looked like the replacement for Grudz. Last year his off field issues continued as he had a DUI. Now I'm still a fan of Callaspo and hope he can overcome his off-field issues to win the starting 2nd base job. His strength is that he is an excellent contact hitter, has a decent eye and a good glove man. His weaknesses though are he has somewhat limited range (this is the reason why I think the Royals should trade him or cut him if he isn't going to be their starting 2nd baseman since he can only play one position and thus is a waste of a roster spot as a backup), no power and well off-field issues. Still I predict Bert wins the 2B job and puts up a .290/.360/.400 line.

Willie Bloomquist- When Willie signed with the Royals for guaranteed money and a 2-year deal everyone was furious. They pointed out he had one extra base hit last year and slugged .285 or something. I actually didn't mind the move. He's a good defender and can play every position but catcher. Bloomy also is a good base stealer. Obviously his lack of power and sometimes overall hitting ability are worrysome if he becomes everyday 2nd baseman, but he's a good starter when you need defense for a ground ball pitcher like Luke Hochevar and a good defensive replacement for late in game, who even adds roster flexibility. He's a little overpaid, but Guillen, HoRam, Farnsworth, and Olivo are too. He hits .275/.330/.380 this year with 3HR and 15 SB.

Tug Hulett- acquired off waivers he has a cool name and decent minor league stats. An okay bat and a good eye from what I can tell. I hear he's an okay defender and can play most infield positions though not as well as Bloomquist. He's mostly an AAA guy who can come up after an injury. He goes .240/.330/.400 w/10hr if he gets full playing time, but he wont so don't expect big things, but consider him a sleeper.