The Kansas City Royals have added yet another young and talented infielder to their major league roster, calling up second base prospect Johnny Giavotella yesterday.
Giavotella has generally taken a backseat to other prospects due to the fact that the Royals have what many say is the deepest farm system in the majors.
Over 110 games in Triple-A this season, Giavotella has posted a line of .338/.390/.481 with 45 extra base hits and 72 RBI’s.
But the 24 year old’s numbers are not the only thing that’s impressed the Royals. Many credit him with an incredible work ethic along with being an all around gritty player.
"“He is a scrap iron, he’s a little, freakin’ gamer, dirt bag-type player,” said Kansas City manager Ned Yost. “He doesn’t fear anything. He’s one of them guys, man, if you ever get in a fight, you bring your lunch because it’s going to be there for a while. He ain’t givin’ up.”"
Already having produced infield prospects Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas, Kansas City decided to promote Giavotella to see what they were working with in preparation of the 2012 season. He is expected to be inserted right into the team’s lineup as the everyday second baseman, shifting Chris Getz to a reserve role.
Giavotella’s addition gives Kansas City one of the league’s best young infields which includes the aforementioned Hosmer and Moustakas along with shortstop Alcides Escobar.
Fan Sided’s own Michael Engel over at Kings of Kauffman provides a more in depth look at Giavotella as a player and what he could bring to the Royals.