Royals Source: Royals willing to trade non-core players

Sure-Oz · 06-25-2009, 09:36 PM

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9...n-core-players

Source: Royals willing to trade non-core players
by Jon Paul Morosi
Updated: June 25, 2009, 6:17 PM EDT
Comment
Royals general manager Dayton Moore loathes the word "rebuilding." He's not necessarily ready to concede the 2009 season, even though his team is 31-40.

But a person with knowledge of the team's plans said Moore will be open-minded to trade possibilities — if they bring talent and/or salary relief that would benefit the team in 2010 and beyond.

In that respect, his approach to this year's trade deadline is similar to that of Cleveland GM Mark Shapiro, a competitor in the American League Central.

As a rival AL executive put it on Thursday: "Kansas City will talk about anyone outside their core players."

Generally speaking, Kansas City's core includes power right-handers Zack Greinke and Gil Meche, closer Joakim Soria, third baseman Alex Gordon and first baseman Billy Butler. (The Royals hope Gordon, who hasn't played since April 15 after undergoing hip surgery, will be back after the All-Star break.)

After this season, Meche will have two years and $24 million left on his original five-year deal. While the Royals could save money by dealing him to a wealthy club, it's doubtful that they will move him. Almost every scenario involving a near-term contender in Kansas City includes a rotation headlined by Greinke and Meche.

But with so many teams looking for offense, widespread interest could develop in players like outfielder David DeJesus and super-utility man Mark Teahen.

Teahen has already started drawing inquiries from teams, a major-league source told FOXSports.com. He's earning $3.575 million this year and isn't scheduled to become a free agent until after the 2011 season.

Once Gordon returns, Teahen will become more expendable, particularly when considering how well Alberto Callaspo has played at second base.

Teahen's selling points are defensive versatility and power potential. Teahen has been the Royals' primary third baseman since Gordon was placed on the disabled list, but he has started at least a handful of games at every position except catcher and shortstop. His .438 slugging percentage entering Thursday is the second-highest of his big-league career.

DeJesus is having a down year, batting .246 with five home runs, but he has been a steady left-handed hitter in the past. A good defender in left field, he could flourish offensively if given the opportunity to hit in a more dynamic lineup. He has a relatively affordable contract: $3.6 million this year, $4.7 million next year, and a $6 million team option ($500,000 buyout) in 2011.

A market could also develop for designated hitter Mike Jacobs, but he's a fairly one-dimensional player. He has home run power (32 last year, 10 this year) but strikes out often and isn't a good defender at first base. He's earning $3.275 million this year.

The Royals' farm system is thin on position players in the upper minors, so they would love to restock with up-the-middle talent, especially at center field, shortstop and catcher.

Shortstop Mike Aviles, a revelation last year, is on the disabled list with elbow trouble, and the team has grown concerned about whether he will be able to return this season. Center fielder Coco Crisp, who underwent shoulder surgery on Wednesday, has already been lost for the year.

06-25-2009, 09:36 PM	Topic Starter
Sure-Oz Stay positive, don't give up Join Date: Dec 2001 Casino cash: $1649383	Source: Royals willing to trade non-core players http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9...n-core-players Source: Royals willing to trade non-core players by Jon Paul Morosi Updated: June 25, 2009, 6:17 PM EDT Comment Royals general manager Dayton Moore loathes the word "rebuilding." He's not necessarily ready to concede the 2009 season, even though his team is 31-40. But a person with knowledge of the team's plans said Moore will be open-minded to trade possibilities — if they bring talent and/or salary relief that would benefit the team in 2010 and beyond. In that respect, his approach to this year's trade deadline is similar to that of Cleveland GM Mark Shapiro, a competitor in the American League Central. As a rival AL executive put it on Thursday: "Kansas City will talk about anyone outside their core players." Generally speaking, Kansas City's core includes power right-handers Zack Greinke and Gil Meche, closer Joakim Soria, third baseman Alex Gordon and first baseman Billy Butler. (The Royals hope Gordon, who hasn't played since April 15 after undergoing hip surgery, will be back after the All-Star break.) After this season, Meche will have two years and $24 million left on his original five-year deal. While the Royals could save money by dealing him to a wealthy club, it's doubtful that they will move him. Almost every scenario involving a near-term contender in Kansas City includes a rotation headlined by Greinke and Meche. But with so many teams looking for offense, widespread interest could develop in players like outfielder David DeJesus and super-utility man Mark Teahen. Teahen has already started drawing inquiries from teams, a major-league source told FOXSports.com. He's earning $3.575 million this year and isn't scheduled to become a free agent until after the 2011 season. Once Gordon returns, Teahen will become more expendable, particularly when considering how well Alberto Callaspo has played at second base. Teahen's selling points are defensive versatility and power potential. Teahen has been the Royals' primary third baseman since Gordon was placed on the disabled list, but he has started at least a handful of games at every position except catcher and shortstop. His .438 slugging percentage entering Thursday is the second-highest of his big-league career. DeJesus is having a down year, batting .246 with five home runs, but he has been a steady left-handed hitter in the past. A good defender in left field, he could flourish offensively if given the opportunity to hit in a more dynamic lineup. He has a relatively affordable contract: $3.6 million this year, $4.7 million next year, and a $6 million team option ($500,000 buyout) in 2011. A market could also develop for designated hitter Mike Jacobs, but he's a fairly one-dimensional player. He has home run power (32 last year, 10 this year) but strikes out often and isn't a good defender at first base. He's earning $3.275 million this year. The Royals' farm system is thin on position players in the upper minors, so they would love to restock with up-the-middle talent, especially at center field, shortstop and catcher. Shortstop Mike Aviles, a revelation last year, is on the disabled list with elbow trouble, and the team has grown concerned about whether he will be able to return this season. Center fielder Coco Crisp, who underwent shoulder surgery on Wednesday, has already been lost for the year.
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