For the first time in his career, Johnny Giavotella can relax. The winner of a four-way battle for the Angels’ starting second baseman job can enjoy a luxury he was never afforded during four seasons in the Royals organization bouncing back and forth from the minor leagues.

The 2008 second-round pick by the Royals was demoted more times than he cares to remember, spending the majority of the last two years with the Royals Triple-A team.

“It’s just the business side of things, but it’s not easy to go back down and pack all your stuff up, you know, drive four hours and play another game that night,” Giavotella said “The atmosphere is a lot different in Triple-A then it is in the big leagues and it’s not a fun road trip to be on.”

Howie Kendrick’s replacement is making the Angels look good so far, hitting .444 in his first series. He admitted to feeling strong emotion each time he was demoted by the Royals, but doesn’t resent the way he was handled by the only other franchise he has played for.

“I don’t hold any animosity towards the Royals. They gave me the opportunity to make my dream come true playing in the big leagues and I can’t thank them enough for the opportunity they gave me,” Giavotella. “They’re my friends but as soon as that game starts, we’re enemies.”