by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/29/2013) The Royals outrighted catcher Brett Hayes to Triple-A Omaha on Friday after the team opted to use George Kottaras as its backup to Salvador Perez for the start of the season. Hayes produced a .306 batting average during the spring and can elect to become a free agent.
George Kottaras wins Royals backup catcher job
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (3/29/2013)George Kottaras has won the Royals' backup catcher job over Brett Hayes, the Kansas City Star reports.
Kottaras, 29, hit .306/.468/.389 in 47 spring plate appearances. Over the last two years, he owns a .227/.336/.433 (108 OPS+) line with 14 home runs in 332 plate appearances. Although he struggles defensively, his combination of patience and power is rare behind the plate.
Hayes, also 29, hit .306/.375/.556 in 40 spring plate appearances but doesn't have the recent track record Kottaras owns. Hayes has just a .217/.263/.340 (63 OPS+) line over his last two seasons (262 plate appearances).
Royals waiting to choose backup catcher
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/28/2013) Royals manager Ned Yost said Thursday no decision has been made yet on who will back up starting catcher Salvador Perez, according to The Kansas City Star.
Yost said the decision between George Kottaras and Brett Hayes will go until the last day of camp, which is Friday.
Kottaras is batting .324 (11 for 34) with three doubles, six RBI and 10 walks in 17 games. Hayes is batting .306 (11 for 36) with one double, one triple, two homers and 10 RBI in 19 games.
Brett Hayes bolsters case for backup job
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (3/26/2013) Royals catcher Brett Hayes had a productive day at the plate in Tuesday's Cactus League contest against the Mariners. He went 4 for 5 with two RBI and two runs scored in a 11-6 win.
"Four hits, he swung the bat well and handled the pitching staff real nicely," manager Ned Yost told MLB.com
Hayes, who is competing with George Kottaras for the backup job, is batting .306 with two homers and 10 RBI through 19 spring games.
Hayes dropped to minors
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (8/12/2012) The Marlins optioned catcher Brett Hayes to Triple-A New Orleans on Sunday to create a roster spot for recently acquired catcher Rob Brantly. Hayes appeared in just his third game this month Sunday and finished hitless in three at-bats to drop his batting average to .202 on the season.
