Teaford counting on his versatility

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Kansas City Royals left-hander Everett Teaford refers to himself as a “utility pitcher,” which is probably more accurate than the swingman label he is often tagged with.

That versatility, by any name, is a plus in his quest to win a spot on the roster.

“It obviously gives me more options,” he said. “You’ve got the utility infielder and the utility outfielder. I’m the utility pitcher.”

Teaford, 27, filled multiple roles last season in 26 big-league appearances while shuttling between the Royals and Class AAA Omaha. His work included three late-season starts after the Royals shut down much of their rotation.

“I learned a lot last year, especially when I went through some long stretches [as a long reliever] when I didn’t pitch,” he said. “I learned how to prepare to be ready every day.”

Teaford finished last season 2-1 with a 3.27 ERA with all three decisions coming in those late-season starts. He is being stretched out this spring, but his best chance to break camp with the big-league club is in a bullpen role.

“We’re looking to see where he fits,” Manager Ned Yost said. “Right now, everything is jumbled.”

Here’s the math: The Royals would prefer to keep two left- handed relievers and need, because of questions in their rotation, at least one — preferably two — relievers capable of pitching extended innings.

Teaford can fill any of those roles.

“He’s a resilient guy,” Yost said. “You can do a lot of things with him. He’s real versatile on your staff. He can go long. He can go set up. He can start. His arm bounces back real well.

“It is nice to have someone who can do all of that. We’ve got a couple of guys who could fit that role perfectly in Teaford and [Luis] Mendoza if they don’t make the rotation.”

The key, Teaford said, is to keep it simple.

“You’ve just got to go out there and get outs,” he said. “I mean, that’s what it comes down to. Get outs when they need you to get outs and for as long as they need you to get outs.”

If it comes to a choice between Mendoza and Teaford as the club’s long reliever, all things being relatively even, the nod probably goes to Mendoza because he is out of options. In contrast, Teaford can be sent back to the minors without clearing waivers.

The left-handed-reliever competition is even tougher.

The Royals signed free agent Jose Mijares to serve as their situational left-hander, but a dreadful camp is likely to keep him off the club.

That leaves Teaford to battle for the other spot — if there is another spot — with Tim Collins, who had a clubhigh 68 appearances last season as a rookie, and nonroster invite Tommy Hottovy.

Collins has options remaining, like Teaford, while Hottovy is in camp on a minorleague contract. That means each or all of the three can simply be reassigned to the minors.

“There’s a lot of competition,” Teaford agreed. “I think if we weren’t such good friends and good teammates, you find yourself thinking, ’Man, I hope that guy doesn’t make the squad. He doesn’t deserve it.’ But we all get along so well that we’re pulling for everybody.

“I know it sounds cliche, but we want to win in Kansas City. If we’re winning and everybody is pitching well, there’s not much, really, that I can say.”

Everett Teaford