Alcides Escobar: Expected To Bat Second

Escobar is expected to bat second for the Royals, should Omar Infante (elbow) open the season on the disabled list, the Kansas City Star reports.

Analysis:

Despite being one of the worst everyday hitters in all of baseball last year, Escobar will be moved up to the two-hole in the order because manager Ned Yost "does not want to upset his prearranged batting order." It's understandable if Yost doesn't want to change the bulk of his order, but Lorenzo Cain or even Pedro Ciriaco might be better options than Escobar. Escobar may not strike out much but lacks the patience to draw walks and, save for 2012, has suffered from below-average BABIP numbers. He may make regular contact, but it's weak contact, at best. While he's batting second, he could see a slight boost in value but will have to produce, if he's going to stay there for any real length of time.