HOUSTON -- The Royals can live with Raul Mondesi not being a top offensive threat.
But Mondesi, the 21-year-old who won the starting job at second base with a terrific spring, has to do what he does best -- use his athleticism to play elite defense.
That didn't happen in the series sweep at Minnesota to start the season.
Mondesi juggled a grounder and missed a chance at a sure double play in the same game, which cost the Royals a run. He also covered the wrong base another time.
And there were two other potential double plays Mondesi couldn't convert in the series, although one was trying to get the speedy Byron Buxton at first.