Esteban German

German will compete with Joe Inglett for the utility infield spot after signing a one-year deal with the Rangers in December. He had a nice season at Triple-A Oklahoma City (.319/.419/.414, 65 walks in 389 at-bats), but there's nothing here to suggest he'll be able to cover long-term in the Texas infield should injuries dictate.

German was once again the super-sub in 2008, fielding four different positions. But for the first time in his career, he made the most starts in the outfield and not at second base. His 216 at-bats were his fewest since joining the Royals before the 2006 season, and that low number was due to offensive ineffectiveness (.245/.303/.338 with zero home runs, three triples) and not injury. Poor plate discipline (just 18 walks in 89 games), an average contact rate and a declining BABIP contributed to the offensive fall. His lack of playing time can also be attributed to Mike Aviles emerging at shortstop and Mark Grudzielanek staying healthy until the season’s final month. Released by the Royals at the start of spring training, he'll now fight to win a utility role with the Cubs.

German is the definition of a super-sub, deciding which glove to wear depending on the health of the team's starters. In 2007, he was listed as a second baseman, shortstop, third baseman, left fielder and designated hitter, though his best offensive numbers came at second base. He'll probably spend most of his time at second base in 2008, as the aging Mark Grudzielanek likely won't play anywhere near a full season. He was less disciplined at the plate in 2007 than he was in 2006, drawing walks at a much lower rate. His average also fell nearly 80 points from 2006 to 2007, but that was because some of the lucky bounces he got in '06 just didn't fall right in '07, evidenced by the disparity in his BABIP rates. Expect German to match his games-played and at-bat totals from 2007 in 2008 (despite the addition of Alberto Callaspo), and look for his average to even out as his BABIP mark normalizes.

Well under the radar, German put together a stellar season, finishing with a .422 on-base percentage, third best all time in team history. His bat remained steady while his defensive position varied day-to-day. He played every position except for right field, catcher and pitcher -- and he has room to improve at any one of the positions should he ever break out of the utility mold. With Mark Grudzielanek signed for another year, the super-sub role will once again be German's. He could be in the mix at second base once Grudzielanek is out of the picture.

You'd think some team could find a bench role for a player that can draw walks and steal 43 bases in 49 tries at Triple-A Oklahoma City, but German failed to catch on in Texas. The Royals have given him a chance to be a utiliy infielder this year, and his speed and patience should prove useful.

German continues to show the ability to draw a walk and steal a base in the minors, but he never found much of a role in Oakland. He signed a minor league deal with Texas, but hasn't crossed paths with Buck Showalter in the past so his chances of getting a prolonged look as the 25th man seem remote.

Mark Ellis claimed "shotgun" as the A's second baseman two years back, and German has barely sniffed the majors since. The A's are going to have to find something to do with him; he's too good to spend another full year at Triple-A. The easy solution, since Miguel Tejada walked via free agency, is using Bobby Crosby at shortstop and Ellis and German can battle it out for the second base/utility infielder spot on the roster. He's got a skill set that the A's desire. Watch his role this spring.

Much like Jose Ortiz the year before, German entered spring training as the A's second baseman and solid AL Rookie of the Year candidate only to disappoint. The A's gave him a chance following a late May call up but was back in the minors after a few weeks. He played as expected following his demotion, though he's yet to harness his blazing speed into any meaningful stolen base totals. Draws walks and is improving his play at second base, though he was one of many who aged a full year following inspection of his Visa. There's a lot in his way though: Mark Ellis is ahead of him, with Bobby Crosby close behind him. If he finds a situation where he could get regular at-bats, he'd do well.