Yost 'extremely proud' of Butler: Royals manager Ned Yost had his contract option for the 2013 season picked up on Tuesday, but the Kansas City skipper seemed more interested in talking about his 2012 team. Yost was impressed with how many players have shown up for spring training early and is really blown away by the fitness level of a few of his players. "Billy Butler and Mike Moustakas -- I'm extremely proud of both of those guys," Yost told reporters. "They could be in the best shape they've been in their careers. Billy looks great, and I didn't even hardly recognize Moose he looks so good." (Updated 02/14/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 2/15/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Butler recorded a career-high 95 RBI in 2011, while batting .291 with a .361 OBP and .822 OPS. He still doesn't have the home run power we would like to see from a DH, but as long as Butler keeps racking up doubles, getting on base and driving in runs, then we can overlook that. It's unfortunate Butler is no longer 1B eligible in Fantasy, but he remains a worthwhile pick in the first eight rounds on Draft Day. (Updated 02/14/2012).
02/10/2012 13:27 2012 Draft Prep: 12-team, mixed H2H draft
Which picks stood out in our initial 12-team Head-to-Head mock draft for 2012? Check out the results and read what Scott White has to say about some of the more interesting selections.
02/07/2012 09:19 2012 Draft Prep: Head-to-Head strategies
Understanding the subtle differences between Head-to-Head and Rotisserie formats leading up to Draft Day can make all the difference. Our Scott White shares some of his battle-tested draft strategies.
02/02/2012 12:21 2012 Draft Prep: Our 12-team, mixed Rotisserie draft
It's time for owners to start looking ahead to Draft Day. We get you off and running with our 12-team Rotisserie mock draft. Check out the results!
01/30/2012 12:03 2012 Draft Prep: Rotisserie strategies
If Rotisserie success is based solely on numbers, why not focus on the stats that matter instead of the names in the draft room? Scott White helps you capitalize on the subtleties of drafting for Roto formats.
After a couple years of measurable progress, Billy Butler's development seems to have stalled. The 25-year-old has maintained an OPS in the mid-.800s and a batting average in the .290-.320 range over the last three seasons, which is a good thing because it means you can rely on him to be a specialist in batting average and a competent Fantasy performer overall. Then again, it also means he's not quite a star -- and perhaps never will be. The move to DH full-time last year certainly didn't help his value. Though Butler is still just beginning his prime and could potentially take another step forward in the years ahead, the days of drafting him with the expectation of that step forward are over. He'll help you fill out your lineup after the elite performers go off the board, but because he's no guarantee for 20 homers, much less 30, he's not one of those elite performers himself. With the young Royals lineup showing steady improvement, he could close the gap with an increase in runs scored and RBI, but you're still better off waiting until the seventh or eighth round to select him in mixed leagues. (Updated 2/13/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
