Mike Moustakas is entrenched as the third baseman for the Kansas City Royals, but he is working as though he isn't guaranteed a roster spot.

Moustakas spent the month of December with the Lara Cardenales of the Venezuelan Winter League, playing for manager Pedro Grifol, who is Kansas City's hitting coach.

The two worked to try to help Moustakas grow as a hitter, an investment that could pay major dividends in 2014 and beyond.

Moustakas hit .233/.287/.364 with 12 home runs and 42 RBI in 136 games this past season.