[alnorth]

Well, I guess Flanagan is all-in. I don't know enough about minor league player development to comment, but I found this part interesting:

In fact, one American League scout told me last month that he had reservations about Myers.

“He is still paralyzed by the curveball,” the scout said. “Great fastball hitter but until he learns to hit breaking pitches, he won't get out of the minors. Needs at least another year in the minors.”

As for Odorizzi, acquired in the Zack Greinke trade in 2010, a Royals official seemed resigned to the fact that Odorizzi would never be more than a No. 4 or No. 5 starter.

“Smart kid who may learn enough pitches to survive,” the Royals official told me. “But he's a bit frail. He could have durability issues.”

Montgomery? Even Royals fans who hated Sunday's trade have to concede that Montgomery, once regarded highly in the organization, has regressed severely. And the same American League scout said of Montgomery, “Pretty much average stuff. Sorry. Decent fastball but doesn't trust it.”