Fallen Angel

Royals shortstop Angel Berroa had a terrific 2003 season that led to him being named the AL Rookie of the Year. The accomplishment and promise Berroa showed led to the Royals giving him a 4-year $11 million deal. All Berroa has done since then is make the Royals hit themselves over the head repeatedly at their mistake.

Berroa has hit .256 over the last three seasons, striking out 283 times to go with his 55 walks. His .259 OBP was the worst of any everyday position player in the league last season. To make matters worse, Berroa has never exactly been a defensive standout(95 errors in 4 seasons). Last season was his best defensively with a career low 18 errors, but it's easy to do that when you've lost most of your range.

As what happens though when you're a small market team, and you hand out a large contract, you have to keep giving the player a chance and it's widely accepted that this season could be Berroa's last one with the Royals.

So how's he doing? According to one scout it's par for the course.

"Same guy. No change that I can see. Still labors to get to everything in the field and shows no concept of the strike zone. None."

As an insurance plan the Royals signed veteran shortstop Alex Gonzalez in the offseason, and they also have Andres Blanco who's having a strong spring training.

"Angel is in some competition," Royals manager Buddy Bell said. "He's ahead, and we still see him as our opening day shortstop. But if these guys play better, we've got to do what's best for the team."

Personally, I say cut him loose and give Billy Butler the spot!