Jeff Bianchi

Bianchi hit just .188 in a part-time, 33-game stint with the Brewers last season, but he earned the right to a big league stint by hitting .325 in 92 games between Double-A and Triple-A. Though Bianchi will need to hit a bit more to hold down a spot on the Brewers' bench, he has an advantage in the competition for a utility role due to his ability to play shortstop. He will compete to secure his roster spot during spring training.

After missing all of 2010 rehabbing from an elbow surgery, Bianchi found himself at Double-A Northwest Arkansas. The former second-round pick hit just .259/.320/.333 with 20 stolen bases over 499 plate appearances. In the offseason he was claimed off waivers by the Cubs as the new front office regime attempts to rework its roster and create organizational depth. He's shown an ability to get on base (.356 OBP at Double-A in 2009), so there's hope for him yet to carve out a role as a utility player at the major league level. No longer a prospect, owners will want to take a look at him for his cheap speed if he gets a look in Chicago at some point this season.

Bianchi hit a combined .308/9/70 with 74 runs scored at High-A and Double-A in 2009 (.308/.358/.435). He also stole 22 bases, and was caught only twice. Bianchi is a line-drive gap hitter with little pop, and he had a high strikeout rate last season, but he's improving his contact and pitch selection. The Royals are not deep at shortstop making it possible that Bianchi will get a good look in spring training. He's a good fielder with soft hands and a good arm, while 2006 labrum surgery hasn't had any long-term effects on his defense. Now on the 40-man roster, look for him at some point in the 2010 season if Yuniesky Betancourt and Mike Aviles don't pan out. Even though he represents an insurance player for now, he has a big-league future - possibly even as an everyday shortstop. Just not quite yet.