Definately have to trade talent to get talent, I'd just try to package some players who aren't as part of your future as the guys I mentioned, or go with minor leaguers or a combination. If that's doesn't get deals done and better pitching in though then you have tough decisions to make.

There were so many times that he would put a smooth, athletic swing on the ball and it would look like he hit it with a yardstick. He generated more than enough bat speed, but it never transfered into power.

If our young pitchers really don't pan out, but we have the hitting in place, the team will probably turn to the FA market and be willing to spend a lot to bring in some solid pitching. I think everyone knew that pitching was going to be horrendous this year and that it wouldn't get better any time soon.
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True. A heavier bat could be the difference. Be great if the fix was that simple.

Moore has openly admitted that we can't afford any top level pitchers on the free agent market, so we have to develop our own.

Following that logic, if we don't develop our own, we are SOL.

The Yanks, Phillies, Red Sox, White Sox, Cubs and Angels are looking at our youth movement and drooling, because they know they'll be getting them in 2014.

I think if we are lacking everything but pitching, they will spend. Moore had to justify why the royals are taking this long, slow path, so pointing to expenses helps. Plus I don't think it would take that much. Of our prospects, some will at least be a solid #2 or #3, so even if none turns out to be an ace, we probably won't need to buy 5 starting pitchers.

Soriano uses a giagantic bat.

I agree with this and think you're right that they'll spend... not a ton, but hopefully enough. It seems I read somewhere that Moore had said we could but I may be mistaken. Maybe I read it on here. (which isn't why I'm saying I could be mistaken that part's just coincidence.)

Yes, and hits some pretty gigantic home runs, especially for a guy his size. Makes me wonder how much that bat weights or if he's just got really strong forearms and shoulders to get his quick bat speed. He's really good at turning into a pitch too.

I thought he said they in the future any free agent dollars would be spent on top of the rotation guys and middle of the lineup bats. The revamped minor league system would eliminate/greatly reduce having to go spend money on relievers and avg vet position players.

No, he specifically said in a very recent interview that KC will never be able to acquire top of the rotation pitchers on the free agent market, so we must develop them ourselves. That is almost verbatim.

Good, I'm not the only one believing this was said.

Top of the rotation pitchers on the FA market hardly ever exist and when they do we are not talking big money we are talking the Yankees/Phils/Sox are the only teams that have a shot money.

Are we ever going to sign a Roy Halladay for a bajillion dollars? no

does that mean we will continue to only sign Bruce Chen and Kyle francis type guys, not necessarily.

And on the trade hosmer/moose/escobar thing, absolutely not, not for a pitcher.

Butler/Gordan/I'd even say Myers/anyone else on the team. Trade away for good SP in a heartbeat.

We traded pitching (Greinke) for Escobar (ss) and Cain (eventual CF). Greinke was not a team guy, or good for team chemistry.

So, if you're going to trade starting pitching, you better plug some other holes. I don't fault DM for this, we just need to develop some starters, and soon.

Davies is a world of suck, don't see a future for him. Hoch will probably be OK for a few more years, Duffy the same. Chen....eh, not so much. Need to find about three more solid guys to have a shot.