Butler eager to show what he can do in the field

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He reported about a month early to Royals camp in Surprise to work with coaches on his defense. J.D. Butler, Billy’s father, has always thought first base was his son’s most natural position.

“He’s certainly completely aware that God didn’t give him all the tools,” J.D. says. “He’s got to work a little harder at some of them. (Defense) is the part that didn’t come as natural.”

Early indications are that the work is paying off. George Brett has remarked about the improvement, as well as several players and coaches.

“He’s never going to win a Gold Glove,” says one scout. “But 21 is too young to be a full-time DH. He just needs to be passable there. And you can see him working, which is the most encouraging thing. If hard work counts for anything, he’ll be fine.”

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After that pop-up caught on one knee, the next batter hits a grounder toward Butler, and that’s two putouts in a row. He jogs back to the dugout at the end of the inning, and Hillman teases him about the pop-up.

“I just felt like I needed to get as low as I could on it,” Butler says.

“I didn’t know if you were catching it and praying at the same time,” Hillman says.

At this point in spring training, you’re forced to look at the smallest of indicators, so Hillman talks about positive signs like Butler’s prepitch movement, reaction to swings, and calm demeanor in the field.

“You’ve got to make them think,” Butler says. “Make them think you can do it if they give you the opportunity. That’s all I want: the opportunity to know I can play every day, that if I happen to make an error it’s not going to affect my playing time.

“I just need steady reps, and I feel like I know I’m going to get that now.”

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To reach Sam Mellinger, national baseball reporter for The Star, call 816-234-4365 or send e-mail to smellinger@kcstar.com