November 3, 2008 The Kansas City Star reports that Miguel Olivo was promised a starting job before agreeing to stay in Kansas City earlier on Monday.
Our View:Olivo hit .255 in 306 at-bats last season. He had 22 doubles, 12 home runs and 41 RBI. Although he slugged .444 he had 82 strikeouts to just seven walks. He did manage seven steals on the season.
November 3, 2008 MLB.com reports that the Kansas City Royals have announced that the team and catcher Miguel Olivo have picked up their mutual options, guaranteeing a contract for the 2009 season.
Our View:Olivo has said he’s only interested in returning to Kansas City if he’s the No. 1 guy behind the plate. In 306 at-bats last season he hit .255 with 12 home runs and 41 RBI.
September 28, 2008 Heading into the season finale, manager Trey Hillman is uncertain who will be the Royals' starting catcher in 2009 between Miguel Olivo and John Buck, according to the KC Star. Hillman said, "It’s just something we’re going to have to continue to massage through in the off-season, after we have a little time to decompress and evaluate some things. Miggy has done a great job of continuing to improve his game management. Buck’s throwing has gotten better. His release times have improved, So I actually see improvement from both of them in the areas that they needed to improve."
Our View:Olivo has said he’s only interested in returning to Kansas City if he’s the No. 1 guy behind the plate. The team and Olivo have a mutual option on a $2.7 million option, but the Royals could also choose to decline the option and offer arbitration. Buck will be eligible for arbitration after making $2.2 million this season.
September 7, 2008 Olivo should see more playing time at catcher than John Buck for the rest of the season, according to the Kansas City Star.
Our View:The Royals are continuing to get a look at Olivo's skills behind the plate. Olivo is a fair option in two-catcher leagues for the rest of the season.
August 31, 2008 Catcher Miguel Olivo and manager Trey Hillman have kissed and made up. "We talked like 30 minutes (on Saturday)," Olivo informs the Kansas City Star. "We talked man to man. It was good. It’s over." Olivo recently vented about his playing time this season and vowed he would not return to Kansas City.
Our View:We doubt the chat changes Olivo's mind about 2009. He could be an okay No. 2 fantasy catcher if he ends up in the right spot.
