Kansas City Royals: Ned Yost and mediocre middle infielders
By David Hill
Although Ned Yost did not take over as the Kansas City Royals manager until part way through the 2010 season, Yuniesky Betancourt is still a part of his legacy.
Betancourt had been acquired for two pitching prospects back in 2009, but did not have a regular spot in the lineup until the following year. He could hit for some power, but was also seemingly allergic to taking a walk and was atrocious defensively. Nonetheless, in 2010, he appeared in 151 games, hitting 16 homers, but providing a mediocre .259/.288/.405 batting line. Defensively, he cost the Royals three runs, and committed 18 errors.
Sent away as part of the Zack Greinke trade, it was hoped that Royals fans had seen the last of Betancourt. However, after a year in Milwaukee, he was back, signed as a free agent to play second base. Splitting time with Chris Getz (he’s next), Betancourt appeared in 57 games, producing a .228/.256/.400 batting line before being released.
Even though Betancourt made his last major league appearance in 2013 when he returned to the Brewers, he remains active. Since then, Betancourt has played in Japan and Mexico, the latter of which is where he has spent most of his post MLB career.
Yuniesky Betancourt was just the start. His teammate in 2012 continued the pattern.