tk13
08-03-2003, 01:48 AM
At this link they basically just tacked this piece on top of the Gobble piece, but I just went ahead and made this story a separate thread....
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/baseball/mlb/kansas_city_royals/6445604.htm
More roster moves likely for Royals
By BOB DUTTON and DAVID BOYCE
The Kansas City Star
Last Thursday's non-waiver trading deadline hasn't slowed the Royals in efforts to tweak their roster in pursuit of their first playoff berth in 18 years.
Prized prospect Jimmy Gobble arrived Saturday and will make his major-league debut in today's series finale against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Kauffman Stadium.
By Monday, the Royals hope to activate All-Star first baseman Mike Sweeney from the disabled list. Sweeney began his rehab playing assignment Saturday at Class AAA Omaha, Neb.
Monday is also when right-hander Kevin Appier should clear waivers from Anaheim and could mark the return of Texas outfielder Juan Gonzalez from the disabled list.
The Royals are interested in both.
"We're in this thing," general manager Allard Baird said, "and we'll continue to explore all avenues in an effort to improve our ballclub."
Appier, 35, was 7-7 with a 5.63 ERA in 19 starts for the Angels before getting placed on waivers.
No team is expected to claim Appier because he has $15.67 million remaining on his contract. Once he clears waivers, he becomes a free agent and any team can sign him for a pro-rated share of the $300,000 major-league minimum salary.
The Royals are searching for another starter after placing Jose Lima on the disabled list Saturday because of a strained right groin.
Gobble's promotion merely fills the void created by the decision to shift Jeremy Affeldt to the bullpen because of his ongoing problem with blisters on the middle finger of his pitching hand.
"Affeldt is not an option (to return to the rotation)," Baird said. "I want to be careful with him, but I also want to build a stable bullpen. He's part of that."
The Royals also remain committed to limiting the workload of rookie Kyle Snyder, who pitched just 74 innings last year after undergoing major elbow surgeries in 2000 and 2001.
The club's tentative plan is to insert Kris Wilson into the rotation until Lima returns. Other alternatives include recalling Brad Voyles or Chris George from Omaha.
The Royals believe several clubs will be interested in Appier, although the Cardinals aren't one of them, according to manager Tony La Russa.
The chief question concerning Appier is lingering tendinitis in his right elbow. But his agent, Jeff Borris, told The Los Angeles Times that Appier isn't ready to retire.
The Royals expect Gonzalez and the Rangers eventually will reach agreement on deferred payments in his contracts. That appears to be the only stumbling block to Gonzalez agreeing to waive his no-trade clause.
Gonzalez, 33, would have to clear waivers before he can be traded. But any team claiming him would be on the hook for those deferred payments -- $10.5 million -- plus about $2 million remaining in his 2003 salary.
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/baseball/mlb/kansas_city_royals/6445604.htm
More roster moves likely for Royals
By BOB DUTTON and DAVID BOYCE
The Kansas City Star
Last Thursday's non-waiver trading deadline hasn't slowed the Royals in efforts to tweak their roster in pursuit of their first playoff berth in 18 years.
Prized prospect Jimmy Gobble arrived Saturday and will make his major-league debut in today's series finale against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Kauffman Stadium.
By Monday, the Royals hope to activate All-Star first baseman Mike Sweeney from the disabled list. Sweeney began his rehab playing assignment Saturday at Class AAA Omaha, Neb.
Monday is also when right-hander Kevin Appier should clear waivers from Anaheim and could mark the return of Texas outfielder Juan Gonzalez from the disabled list.
The Royals are interested in both.
"We're in this thing," general manager Allard Baird said, "and we'll continue to explore all avenues in an effort to improve our ballclub."
Appier, 35, was 7-7 with a 5.63 ERA in 19 starts for the Angels before getting placed on waivers.
No team is expected to claim Appier because he has $15.67 million remaining on his contract. Once he clears waivers, he becomes a free agent and any team can sign him for a pro-rated share of the $300,000 major-league minimum salary.
The Royals are searching for another starter after placing Jose Lima on the disabled list Saturday because of a strained right groin.
Gobble's promotion merely fills the void created by the decision to shift Jeremy Affeldt to the bullpen because of his ongoing problem with blisters on the middle finger of his pitching hand.
"Affeldt is not an option (to return to the rotation)," Baird said. "I want to be careful with him, but I also want to build a stable bullpen. He's part of that."
The Royals also remain committed to limiting the workload of rookie Kyle Snyder, who pitched just 74 innings last year after undergoing major elbow surgeries in 2000 and 2001.
The club's tentative plan is to insert Kris Wilson into the rotation until Lima returns. Other alternatives include recalling Brad Voyles or Chris George from Omaha.
The Royals believe several clubs will be interested in Appier, although the Cardinals aren't one of them, according to manager Tony La Russa.
The chief question concerning Appier is lingering tendinitis in his right elbow. But his agent, Jeff Borris, told The Los Angeles Times that Appier isn't ready to retire.
The Royals expect Gonzalez and the Rangers eventually will reach agreement on deferred payments in his contracts. That appears to be the only stumbling block to Gonzalez agreeing to waive his no-trade clause.
Gonzalez, 33, would have to clear waivers before he can be traded. But any team claiming him would be on the hook for those deferred payments -- $10.5 million -- plus about $2 million remaining in his 2003 salary.