[DaWolf]

ESPN's Keith Law called the deal a "heist" for Tampa Bay Insider, and some chat board posters engaged in the inevitable potshots by force of habit. Friedman is revered among the armchair know-it-all crowd, and Kansas City GM Dayton Moore is a convenient punching bag, and this latest deal helped perpetuate that narrative.

If the five email responses I received from baseball executives late Sunday night are any indication, the reaction within the baseball industry is more nuanced. A National League general manager called the deal "bold on both sides," but liked it more from Kansas City's end. An AL talent evaluator also favored the Royals, in part because he suspects Myers might not be as good as the hype.

Two other personnel people were decidedly pro-Tampa Bay. "The Royals got owned on this one," said an NL executive, who marveled at Friedman's huge haul of young talent. Another National League talent evaluator praised Moore for his chutzpah, but not so much for his baseball judgment.

"My initial view was basic shock that Dayton did this," the evaluator said, "especially with so much pitching on the free-agent market. But they have a hard time getting pitching there. They gave up a lot to go all-in, so I applaud the effort. But I'm still shocked."

Finally, an American League general manager said he likes the deal for both clubs.

"I don't get all the online angst towards Kansas City," said the GM. "I am a Shields fan. I also respect that Tampa does their homework."

Myers, 22, hit 37 homers in the minors last year and is widely regarded as a "can't-miss" prospect. If he plays up to expectations, he will combine with Evan Longoria to give Tampa Bay two big right-handed threats in the middle of the order for years to come.

That said, it's always dicey predicting the outcome for prospects. For some perspective, I took a spin through the 2006 Baseball America Prospect Handbook to reflect on other highly-acclaimed hitters. The names Jeremy Hermida, Brandon Wood, Ian Stewart, Lastings Milledge, Andy LaRoche, Andy Marte, Conor Jackson, Daric Barton, Joel Guzman, Felix Pie and Jeff Clement appeared prominently. Wrap your mind around that assemblage of unfulfilled potential and try to say with any degree of certainty that Wil Myers is a lock to be a superstar.

The truth is, Moore was in a disadvantageous position because of a combination of bad luck and questionable drafting more than the lack of a coherent game plan. If the Royals had enjoyed even a modicum of success with Luke Hochevar, John Lamb, Montgomery and Danny Duffy, they wouldn't have been forced to raid the farm for Shields, a 31-year-old workhorse who is signed for two more years before he becomes eligible for free agency.

After the Royals went a disappointing 72-90 in 2012 for their 17th losing season in 18 years, Moore seems to realize he doesn't have much time for his so-called "process" to produce more tangible results.

"No, it's not easy to give up prospects," Moore told the Kansas City Star. "But it's important that we start winning games."

http://espn.go.com/mlb/hotstove12/st...as-city-royals