Wilson Betemit seems to be getting more playing time at the 1B/DH position, which is squeezing Kila out of that mix. Betemit’s career–long  problem has been his bat vs the positions he can play at the MLB level. He’s been a tweener, good enough at the plate to be an asset at MIF, but mediocre at best on the corners. His MIF defense quickly put an end to that plan. Since KC started giving him fairly regular playing time , mostly at 3B, he has hit well enough to justify a starting spot on the corners, but his fielding at 3B is hard to watch. Thusly, with Kila’s time seemingly rapidly running out, Yost seems to be easing him into the least demanding defensive role. What, if anything does this mean for 2012 forward?

Betemit’s offensive performance since his 2010 callup is far better than his history would lead one to expect. He’s always been better as a LHB. His career splits are:

His splits in 2010:

SSS, but certainly an unprecedented spike in his performance, particularly as a RHB. This season:

In a larger SS, his LHB performance has improved some, but not enough to make me think he’s really gotten better. It’s only 109 PA’s, but his performance as a RHB has improved significantly. Is this sustainable? That may be the question Moore and Yost are trying to answer. This line will play at 1B/DH, and is particularly valuable since he’s immune to platoon splits. So what, if anything, does this mean for the Royals’ future plans?

First, Kila will never get the chance he earned. Even if he stays in the bigs, he won’t play regularly or will be traded. Butler will probably play 1B more of the time, since Betemit would be happy just to be batting regularly at this point. Hosmer? He will either be moved to COF or Butler will be traded.

So my question; is a 30 year old Wilson Betemit worth changing any of the plans for this team in 2012 and beyond?