Olivooooo

ARLINGTON - The numbers are down for Royals catcher Miguel Olivo. So is his playing time, as is the prospect of cracking the lineup on a regular basis.

He says he doesn't want to be traded. He just wants to play - everyday.

His manager doesn't blame him.

"How would it be for anybody? It's difficult," Royals manager Trey Hillman said. "It's a difficult transition when you are used to coming in and strapping it on everyday. He wants to feel a part of it. It's a difficult proposition to get a guy at the end of the season looking back on it and see 'Hey it was a good place for me to be.''"

It's been quite a change for Olivo. While with the Marlins in 2006 and 2007, Olivo averaged 125 games played per season. This season, he has appeared in 13 games but with John Buck as the team's regular starter, the Dominican Republic native has only made six starts behind the plate. Olivo has also seen action as the team's designated hitter and the club is considering using him at first base. Left field is also an option.

"I'm not playing a lot but when I get in there I do my job and do the best I can," Olivo said. "It's a big change for me because I 'm used to playing. Now we have two first-string catchers. When I got here there was John Buck and now he is playing more than me. I understand. But when I got here nobody said that to me."<p>

The lack of playing time could be taking a toll on Olivo. He went 0-for-5 against the Rangers on Tuesday and does not have a hit in his last 11 at-bats. He is still hitting .233 with three home runs and eight RBIs. Six of his 10 hits this season have gone for extra bases.

"He's done a great job, he's has some very productive offensive games," Hillman said. "Overall, I'm pleased with what he has done. He brings great energy to the table. He's a great worker with a great attitude. He wants to play more and I'll never fault anybody for wanting to play more. He's open and honest. We talk about that. I encourage him to talk about that I want the guys to keep it perspective and he's been very good job with that."

Olivo could be too honest. When asked about his lack of playing time, Olivo said he is not ruling out playing for another club if the right opportunity presents itself. For now, he is content in his new role and wearing a happy face. He realizes if he does not take advantage of his opportunities when given he's not going to play anywhere.

He trains and prepares as if he is the everyday starting catcher.

"We'll see what happens. Maybe the team will trade me. I don't know," he said. "They have said I could play some other position but I'm a catcher. I don't want to do a bad job in another position that I don't know."

"It's a new team, new thing for me," he continued. "I've never been through this. I talked to my lawyer and they say maybe things will change but nothing has changed. This is very hard for me but things change and you have to adjust."

Hillman wants a resolution that benefits the team as a whole. Olivo, even in a part-time role, is an important part of the team.

"He makes our club better being here," the manager said. "That's why we went and got him and that's why we want to keep him. We'll see if we can keep him happy with the playing time and see how it shakes out."