"For the better part of the offseason, Royals general manager Dayton Moore articulated the club's need for a veteran utility infielder. The Royals, Moore said, needed someone to back up Alcides Escobar. They coveted a right-handed bat to spell Mike Moustakas against tough left-handed pitching. And they desired a measure of insurance against the possibility of injury.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Royals unveiled their man: Former Royals shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt.

(What? You were expecting someone else?)

Betancourt, who will turn 30 on Jan. 31, signed a one-year, $2 million deal that will allow him to serve the Royals' immediate utility needs. The money could escalate to $2.5 million if injuries force Betancourt into full-time duty. But for now, the plan is to have the right-handed hitting Betancourt back up Escobar, spell Moustakas, and compete for playing time at second base. The deal also positions Johnny Giavotella and Chris Getz to battle for the second-base spot, with the loser having options to start the season at Class AAA Omaha. "