July 31st - Just beating the MLB Trade Deadline (which has absolutely zero bearing on the IBC deadline), Royals GM Brett Zalaski has announced that, pending league approval, the team has traded Chris Carpenter and Alexei Ramirez to the Braves for Edinson Volquez.
"Volquez is 25, and teaming him with Jurrjens, Saunders, and Perez we feel gives us an outstanding staff for years to come," said Zalaski. "Trading Carpenter and Ramirez was a very difficult decision, but we do not think you can put a price tag on the upside a Volquez brings to a team."
None of Volquez, Jurrjens, Saunders, or Perez is over the age of 26, and all have already seen tremendous success at the MLB level. Surrounding a vicious offense, that quartet should put the team in every game they play.
Trading Ramirez does leave a gaping hole at shortstop. When asked what he will do to fill the position, Zalaski commented that he had, "...no fucking clue."
Zalaski also added, "Hold on to your hats, we have another deal coming tomorrow."
Royal Announcements
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July 31st - The Royals announced two more deals on the heels of their mind-bender for Edinson Volquez. In two deals, the latter pending approval for August 1st, the Royals picked up Jesse Carlson, Jorge Cantu, and Taylor Buchholz, while shipping Eric Hull, Joe Thatcher, Rich Hill, and some guy named 1st Round Draft Pick out of KC.
"We couldn't be happier to bring franchise favorite Jorge Cantu back into town. We believed he was still a player, and he has proved it again this year in Florida. At the moment, Jorge will be hitting 7th in the order. Can't ask for much more than .290 and 25 homers out of that spot," said GM Brett Zalaski. "Buchholz and Carlson return to us two young relief pitchers with sub-2.00 era's in a substantial amount of work this year."
Hull and Thatcher are SIM monster's this year, and the team is sad to part with Rich Hill. "We believe Hill still has a tremendous upside at the MLB level, but Cantu and Buchholz will be better options for our team next year," stated Zalaski.
The team will be active up until the August 31st trade deadline.
"We couldn't be happier to bring franchise favorite Jorge Cantu back into town. We believed he was still a player, and he has proved it again this year in Florida. At the moment, Jorge will be hitting 7th in the order. Can't ask for much more than .290 and 25 homers out of that spot," said GM Brett Zalaski. "Buchholz and Carlson return to us two young relief pitchers with sub-2.00 era's in a substantial amount of work this year."
Hull and Thatcher are SIM monster's this year, and the team is sad to part with Rich Hill. "We believe Hill still has a tremendous upside at the MLB level, but Cantu and Buchholz will be better options for our team next year," stated Zalaski.
The team will be active up until the August 31st trade deadline.
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July 31st - When it rains it pours...
Pending league approval, the Royals have traded Ty Wigginton to the Twins, in what seems to have become an annual deal between the teams. In return, the Royals receive Ryan Sweeney, an exciting young outfielder who plays all 3 outfield positions very well, and gets on base.
"We want to thank Ty Wigginton for his excellent service to the Royals, but picking up a young player with the caliber of Ryan Sweeney was just too great to pass up," GM Zalaski said, his voice almost hoarse from talking to the media so much today.
Pending league approval, the Royals have traded Ty Wigginton to the Twins, in what seems to have become an annual deal between the teams. In return, the Royals receive Ryan Sweeney, an exciting young outfielder who plays all 3 outfield positions very well, and gets on base.
"We want to thank Ty Wigginton for his excellent service to the Royals, but picking up a young player with the caliber of Ryan Sweeney was just too great to pass up," GM Zalaski said, his voice almost hoarse from talking to the media so much today.
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August 1st - "Long time, no see," quipped GM Brett Zalaski, as he strode to the podium to announce yet another trade. No one laughed. In fact most reporters were pretty pissed off to have to head back to Kaufmann Stadium for the 4th time today.
The Royals traded the SIM-great, life-struggling Aaron Heilman to the Yankees for Charlie Zink and Chris Britton. Britton has been a mystery to Yankee fans. Despite a great year in Baltimore, and back-to-back outstanding years at AAA, Britton has not garnered a role in the Yanks pen, to date. The Royals also received Zink, a minor leaguer who is currently having an outstanding year at AAA.
"We believe Zink can act as insurance for our rotation next year, and that Britton will be an outstanding addition to our bullpen. To have filled two holes with one trade is a good deal for us," Zalaski finished.
The Royals traded the SIM-great, life-struggling Aaron Heilman to the Yankees for Charlie Zink and Chris Britton. Britton has been a mystery to Yankee fans. Despite a great year in Baltimore, and back-to-back outstanding years at AAA, Britton has not garnered a role in the Yanks pen, to date. The Royals also received Zink, a minor leaguer who is currently having an outstanding year at AAA.
"We believe Zink can act as insurance for our rotation next year, and that Britton will be an outstanding addition to our bullpen. To have filled two holes with one trade is a good deal for us," Zalaski finished.
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August 1st - In his 6th trade in less than 24 hours, GM Brett Zalaski has announced the Royals are moving their 3rd round pick in the 2008(9?) IBC Draft to the Rays for David Eckstein and the Rays 4th round pick.
"While we think there is tremendous value in the upcoming draft, getting an opportunity to fill a gaping hole at short with the hearty, gamey, grindery, dirt-on-the-uniformy Eckstein was an opportunity we could not pass up," said Zalaski. "His defense and on-base skills will be a nice addition to the lineup for this year, and next year."
"Unfortunately, seeing as he isn't real in the SIM, Eckstein will not be able to bring his heart, which has been known to single-handely crow-hop its way to a World Series title, we think we are a better team today," finished Zalaski, while simultaneously injecting caffeine directly into his bloodstream.
"While we think there is tremendous value in the upcoming draft, getting an opportunity to fill a gaping hole at short with the hearty, gamey, grindery, dirt-on-the-uniformy Eckstein was an opportunity we could not pass up," said Zalaski. "His defense and on-base skills will be a nice addition to the lineup for this year, and next year."
"Unfortunately, seeing as he isn't real in the SIM, Eckstein will not be able to bring his heart, which has been known to single-handely crow-hop its way to a World Series title, we think we are a better team today," finished Zalaski, while simultaneously injecting caffeine directly into his bloodstream.
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August 1st - Eschewing the press conference, as the treads on GM Brett Zalaski's tires have worn off, the Royals issued a press release announcing two more trades.
In seperate deals, the team traded their 4th round pick and Randy Johnson to the Reds for Doug Davis and Cincy's 5th, and moved Jeff Kent to the Twins for their 2nd round pick.
"Jeff Kent's value is certainly much greater for a team in contention. We thank him for his time in KC, and wish him the best of luck in Minnesota, and, hopefully, retirement," said GM Zalaski. "In moving Randy we feel we are solidifying our 2009 rotation. Davis is having a very good year, and he and Zink will have plenty of opportunity to compete for the 5th spot in the rotation, behind Volquez, Jurrjens, Saunders, and Perez."
In total, in just over 24 hours, the team has made 8 trades, involving 18 players and 6 draft picks. The team has jettisoned Jeff Kent, Randy Johnson, Aaron Heilman, Ty Wigginton, Rich Hill, Joe Thatcher, Eric Hull, Alexei Ramirez, Chris Carpenter and 3 picks. The team has picked up Edinson Volquez, Jesse Carlson, Jorge Cantu, Taylor Buchholz, Ryan Sweeney, Charlie Zink, Chris Britton, David Eckstein, Doug Davis, and 3 picks.
In seperate deals, the team traded their 4th round pick and Randy Johnson to the Reds for Doug Davis and Cincy's 5th, and moved Jeff Kent to the Twins for their 2nd round pick.
"Jeff Kent's value is certainly much greater for a team in contention. We thank him for his time in KC, and wish him the best of luck in Minnesota, and, hopefully, retirement," said GM Zalaski. "In moving Randy we feel we are solidifying our 2009 rotation. Davis is having a very good year, and he and Zink will have plenty of opportunity to compete for the 5th spot in the rotation, behind Volquez, Jurrjens, Saunders, and Perez."
In total, in just over 24 hours, the team has made 8 trades, involving 18 players and 6 draft picks. The team has jettisoned Jeff Kent, Randy Johnson, Aaron Heilman, Ty Wigginton, Rich Hill, Joe Thatcher, Eric Hull, Alexei Ramirez, Chris Carpenter and 3 picks. The team has picked up Edinson Volquez, Jesse Carlson, Jorge Cantu, Taylor Buchholz, Ryan Sweeney, Charlie Zink, Chris Britton, David Eckstein, Doug Davis, and 3 picks.
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August 5th - Across the past few days, the Royals have completed three more deals, involving 10 players and 2 picks. This brings the destructions to 28 players and 8 picks changing rosters.
With GM Zalaski working to fill out his lineup, the team acquired Ryan Theriot and a third round pick from the White Sox for Chris Snyder and Brian Wilson. "Theriot will start at short, but also gives us tremendous versatility in case of an injury. He can play any of the infields positions, and Eckstein can then slide in at short," said Zalaski.
The second deal saw Josh Barfield and a 2nd round pick leave town for Shawn Camp and Davis Aardsma. "Aardsma was a top flight arm that we targeted in our conversations with the Giants. He is still very young, and has a tremendous upside as a reliever in this league. Camp is having an outstanding year, and should add a veteran presence to the pen," said Zalaski.
The final deal saw first basemen James Loney and reliever CJ Wilson go to the Rangers for Xaver Nady and Lou Marson. "It was tremendously difficult to move Loney," said Zalaski, "but we are able to fill two massive holes on our squad. Marson is a top prospect, and will be our catcher of next year, and the future, and Nady gives us tremendous flexibility in the ouftield. At worst, he's a huge bat off the bench."
The team also announced two minor moves. The team has released Ryan Patterson and Bryan Bullington, and signed reliever Chris Smith and outfielder Mitch Maier.
With GM Zalaski working to fill out his lineup, the team acquired Ryan Theriot and a third round pick from the White Sox for Chris Snyder and Brian Wilson. "Theriot will start at short, but also gives us tremendous versatility in case of an injury. He can play any of the infields positions, and Eckstein can then slide in at short," said Zalaski.
The second deal saw Josh Barfield and a 2nd round pick leave town for Shawn Camp and Davis Aardsma. "Aardsma was a top flight arm that we targeted in our conversations with the Giants. He is still very young, and has a tremendous upside as a reliever in this league. Camp is having an outstanding year, and should add a veteran presence to the pen," said Zalaski.
The final deal saw first basemen James Loney and reliever CJ Wilson go to the Rangers for Xaver Nady and Lou Marson. "It was tremendously difficult to move Loney," said Zalaski, "but we are able to fill two massive holes on our squad. Marson is a top prospect, and will be our catcher of next year, and the future, and Nady gives us tremendous flexibility in the ouftield. At worst, he's a huge bat off the bench."
The team also announced two minor moves. The team has released Ryan Patterson and Bryan Bullington, and signed reliever Chris Smith and outfielder Mitch Maier.
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August 8th - Slowing to a crawl, GM Brett Zalaski has completed just one more minor deal over the last three days - but his scouting department has picked up the pace.
The trade saw Ryan Franklin and Xavier Paul, both very solid players from positions of organizational strength, to regular trading partner GM JP Starkey in Pittsburgh for a 4th round draft pick and Matt Brown.
"Brown is an excellent power hitter, who started to find his contact stroke this year," said GM Zalaski. "He will back us up at our corner infield spots, and provide an excellent power source off the bench."
Aforementioned scouting department assisted GM Zalaski in signing two more players this week. Infielder Ivan Ochoa, and catcher/outfielder Eric Fryer have joined the Royals roster.
"Ochoa brings solid defense, and an excellent contact stroke to our organization," commented Zalaski. "He should be able to step in and contribute in case of injury next year. Fryer has been splitting time behind the plate and in the outfield for the Brewers. Even with Lucroy with him in West Virginia for most of the season, the team felt Eric's bat was far too valuable to keep out of the lineup. He is an excellent young hitting prospect, and a good athlete, whether or not he stays behind the plate."
The trade saw Ryan Franklin and Xavier Paul, both very solid players from positions of organizational strength, to regular trading partner GM JP Starkey in Pittsburgh for a 4th round draft pick and Matt Brown.
"Brown is an excellent power hitter, who started to find his contact stroke this year," said GM Zalaski. "He will back us up at our corner infield spots, and provide an excellent power source off the bench."
Aforementioned scouting department assisted GM Zalaski in signing two more players this week. Infielder Ivan Ochoa, and catcher/outfielder Eric Fryer have joined the Royals roster.
"Ochoa brings solid defense, and an excellent contact stroke to our organization," commented Zalaski. "He should be able to step in and contribute in case of injury next year. Fryer has been splitting time behind the plate and in the outfield for the Brewers. Even with Lucroy with him in West Virginia for most of the season, the team felt Eric's bat was far too valuable to keep out of the lineup. He is an excellent young hitting prospect, and a good athlete, whether or not he stays behind the plate."
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August 13th - The Royals will be moving and shaking up until the August 31st trade deadline.
With the middle of the order featuring Chipper Jones, Adam Dunn, Milton Bradley, and JD Drew, GM Zalaski has focused on making improvements in the team's pitching, and defense - pitching that has been wildly inconsistent, and a defense that has ranked a dismal 20th in the IBC this past year.
To that, in three seperate moves, the team has acquired Doug Waechter from the Reds for Royce Ring, Jesse Litsch from the Phillies for Greg Maddux, and Skip Schumaker and Martin Prado from the Cubs for Chone Figgins and Brian Bruney.
"We were happy to get anything solid back for Ring," said GM Zalaski. "He has an outstanding SIM, but he is not someone we think will make an impact in our bullpen next year. Waechter has an arm people are excited about, and he seems to have settled into a bullpen role."
"The team is very thankful for the contributions made by Chone Figgins and Greg Maddux," continued Zalaski, "but they are more valuable to other team's then they are with us. Litsch gives us an arm that has enjoyed very good success in the MLB at the young age of 23. We see him slotting into the 5th spot in the rotation next year."
"Still with me?" Zalaski deadpanned. "Finally, we are thrilled about the defense, versatility and youth that Schumaker and Prado give us. While neither is as exciting or established as Figgins, both have been consistent .300 hitters with .360 obp's wherever they've played - and both can play multiple positions with very solid defense."
Prado (.310/.385/.500) has played all four infield positions for the Braves this year, and Schumaker (.300/.360/.418) has played all three positions in the outfield.
With the middle of the order featuring Chipper Jones, Adam Dunn, Milton Bradley, and JD Drew, GM Zalaski has focused on making improvements in the team's pitching, and defense - pitching that has been wildly inconsistent, and a defense that has ranked a dismal 20th in the IBC this past year.
To that, in three seperate moves, the team has acquired Doug Waechter from the Reds for Royce Ring, Jesse Litsch from the Phillies for Greg Maddux, and Skip Schumaker and Martin Prado from the Cubs for Chone Figgins and Brian Bruney.
"We were happy to get anything solid back for Ring," said GM Zalaski. "He has an outstanding SIM, but he is not someone we think will make an impact in our bullpen next year. Waechter has an arm people are excited about, and he seems to have settled into a bullpen role."
"The team is very thankful for the contributions made by Chone Figgins and Greg Maddux," continued Zalaski, "but they are more valuable to other team's then they are with us. Litsch gives us an arm that has enjoyed very good success in the MLB at the young age of 23. We see him slotting into the 5th spot in the rotation next year."
"Still with me?" Zalaski deadpanned. "Finally, we are thrilled about the defense, versatility and youth that Schumaker and Prado give us. While neither is as exciting or established as Figgins, both have been consistent .300 hitters with .360 obp's wherever they've played - and both can play multiple positions with very solid defense."
Prado (.310/.385/.500) has played all four infield positions for the Braves this year, and Schumaker (.300/.360/.418) has played all three positions in the outfield.
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August 13th - The Royals, via press release, have announced two more moves. The team traded Nyjer Morgan and the Reds 5th round pick to the Dodgers for Craig Breslow and their 5th round pick.
"First of all, we want to thank Nyjer for his oustanding play in this IBC season. He has been a rock for us, and if it weren't for his atrocious play in real life, we would love to keep him on the roster," the released attributed to GM Brett Zalaski. "Breslow has been excellent for Minnesota so far this year, and we expect he and Jesse Carlson to be a force versus lefties out of the bullpen."
The team also signed 1b Travis Ishikawa, releasing the inept-at-getting-out-MLB-hitters John Van Benschoten.
"First of all, we want to thank Nyjer for his oustanding play in this IBC season. He has been a rock for us, and if it weren't for his atrocious play in real life, we would love to keep him on the roster," the released attributed to GM Brett Zalaski. "Breslow has been excellent for Minnesota so far this year, and we expect he and Jesse Carlson to be a force versus lefties out of the bullpen."
The team also signed 1b Travis Ishikawa, releasing the inept-at-getting-out-MLB-hitters John Van Benschoten.
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October 17th - After months of relative inactivity, the Royals have hit the off-season with a big first move. The team, today, annouced that they had sent Oliver Perez, Mike Gonzalez, and Kevin Pucetas to the Brewers for Justin Masterson.
"It was very difficult to part with three high quality arms, but we feel we got the best player in this deal," GM Zalaski said. "Obviously, we are hoping that Justin is a starter in the coming years, but, at the very least, we know we are getting a year of starting out of him next year."
This gives the Royals a starting rotation of Edinson Volquez (25), Joe Saunders (27), Jair Jurrjens (23), Jesse Litsch (23), and Justin Masterson (23).
"It was very difficult to part with three high quality arms, but we feel we got the best player in this deal," GM Zalaski said. "Obviously, we are hoping that Justin is a starter in the coming years, but, at the very least, we know we are getting a year of starting out of him next year."
This gives the Royals a starting rotation of Edinson Volquez (25), Joe Saunders (27), Jair Jurrjens (23), Jesse Litsch (23), and Justin Masterson (23).
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October 29th - In a deal finished late last night, the Royals sent Michael Mckenry to the Milwaukee Brewers for Rocco Baldelli.
"As much as we appreciate and think the future is bright for Mckenry," GM Zalaski said, "Lou Marson is the future of the Royals behind the plate. Combine Marson, Ryan, and Rivera, we think we are just fine on catching in 2009. Baldelli is a guy we've wanted to take a shot on for a while now. At worst, he's a tremendous asset versus left-handed starters, at best we get a starting outfielder once he rediscovers his groove. We think both sides benefitted tremendously from this deal."
Mckenry was one of the few Royals healthy enough to make it through the 2008 campaign, putting up 21 homers and playing solid defense behind the plate.
"As much as we appreciate and think the future is bright for Mckenry," GM Zalaski said, "Lou Marson is the future of the Royals behind the plate. Combine Marson, Ryan, and Rivera, we think we are just fine on catching in 2009. Baldelli is a guy we've wanted to take a shot on for a while now. At worst, he's a tremendous asset versus left-handed starters, at best we get a starting outfielder once he rediscovers his groove. We think both sides benefitted tremendously from this deal."
Mckenry was one of the few Royals healthy enough to make it through the 2008 campaign, putting up 21 homers and playing solid defense behind the plate.
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October 29th - The Royals made their second deal in a day, trading Jorge Cantu to the Cubs for Jim Thome and Alex Hinshaw.
"No question the highest upside is the guy we traded," said GM Zalaski, "but Jim Thome will be a bigger force in the lineup next year, and Hinshaw is murder on lefties with a tremendous K rate."
Thome figures to slot into the 6th spot in the batting order, following some combination of Ryan Theriot, JD Drew, Chipper Jones, Adam Dunn, and Milton Bradley. Hinshaw will be the team's third lefty reliever behind Craig Breslow and Jesse Carlson.
"No question the highest upside is the guy we traded," said GM Zalaski, "but Jim Thome will be a bigger force in the lineup next year, and Hinshaw is murder on lefties with a tremendous K rate."
Thome figures to slot into the 6th spot in the batting order, following some combination of Ryan Theriot, JD Drew, Chipper Jones, Adam Dunn, and Milton Bradley. Hinshaw will be the team's third lefty reliever behind Craig Breslow and Jesse Carlson.
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Jan 5 - In their first two trades since October, the Royals have acquired Brian Fuentes, Randy Winn, Michael Taylor, and Ryan Hanigan, jettisoning JD Drew, Lou Marson, and Craig Breslow.
Fuentes gives a deep Royals bullpen their true closer. Breslow was available, as he would have been one of four lefties. Fuentes is coming off his best season as a pro, and is a true strikeout pitcher at the back end of the Royals bullpen. Hanigan is certainly not the caliber of backstop that Marson will be, but he is solid defensively and gets on-base at a tremendous rate for a catcher. Marson was a steep price to pay, but getting a closer was a major goal this off-season.
The other goal was to improve the defense and organizational talent pool - and the Royals believe that they helped work towards a solution to both of those problems by moving Drew. Internally, the team was scared shitless about having to rely on a full season from Drew AND Bradley. Winn gives the team a true #2 hitter to slot behind Theriot, and in front of Chipper, Dunn, Bradley, and Thome. Winn is also one of the best sim outfielders, at all three positions - providing excellent flexibility in the outfield, as Winn, Bradley, Sweeney, and Schumaker all can play multiple positions with average-to-above-average defense.
While Winn was absolutely what the Royals were looking for out of a #2 hitter, Taylor was just as valuable a part of this deal. At 6'6", Taylor is a tremendous athlete with a plus arm in the outfield. That's not what his calling card will be though. After struggling at Stanford, and his 2007 season, Taylor exploded at both LA and HA this year - hitting a combined .346/.412/.557 between the two stops - with scouts saying he's JUST tapping into his power potential. He's getting some Ryan Howard comparisons as a hitter, but that can wait until he replicates his numbers at the higher levels. Taylor makes good contact, does not strike out a lot, has pretty good plate discipline, and is a heady runner who can steal an occasional base. The best part about Taylor is that if he fails, it will be a failure of skill, not will. He was considered a role model athlete at Stanford and each of his minor league stops along the way, and is a tireless worker.
Fuentes gives a deep Royals bullpen their true closer. Breslow was available, as he would have been one of four lefties. Fuentes is coming off his best season as a pro, and is a true strikeout pitcher at the back end of the Royals bullpen. Hanigan is certainly not the caliber of backstop that Marson will be, but he is solid defensively and gets on-base at a tremendous rate for a catcher. Marson was a steep price to pay, but getting a closer was a major goal this off-season.
The other goal was to improve the defense and organizational talent pool - and the Royals believe that they helped work towards a solution to both of those problems by moving Drew. Internally, the team was scared shitless about having to rely on a full season from Drew AND Bradley. Winn gives the team a true #2 hitter to slot behind Theriot, and in front of Chipper, Dunn, Bradley, and Thome. Winn is also one of the best sim outfielders, at all three positions - providing excellent flexibility in the outfield, as Winn, Bradley, Sweeney, and Schumaker all can play multiple positions with average-to-above-average defense.
While Winn was absolutely what the Royals were looking for out of a #2 hitter, Taylor was just as valuable a part of this deal. At 6'6", Taylor is a tremendous athlete with a plus arm in the outfield. That's not what his calling card will be though. After struggling at Stanford, and his 2007 season, Taylor exploded at both LA and HA this year - hitting a combined .346/.412/.557 between the two stops - with scouts saying he's JUST tapping into his power potential. He's getting some Ryan Howard comparisons as a hitter, but that can wait until he replicates his numbers at the higher levels. Taylor makes good contact, does not strike out a lot, has pretty good plate discipline, and is a heady runner who can steal an occasional base. The best part about Taylor is that if he fails, it will be a failure of skill, not will. He was considered a role model athlete at Stanford and each of his minor league stops along the way, and is a tireless worker.
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Jan 7th - In a continuing effort to revive an almost defunct minor league system, GM Zalaski dealt from a position of strength to pick up a high-ceiling prospect. After a draft that featured high-ceiling acquisitions Jason Knapp, Tyler Sample, Isaac Galloway, and Yowill Espinal, and trading for Michael Taylor, the team picked up Oscar Tejeda from the Yankees for Jon Rauch.
Rauch is a very solid reliever, who would have slotted at the back end of the Royals pen for the coming season. The team felt comfortable moving him, as both Brian Wolfe and Doug Waechter should give the team similar results.
Tejeda continues to evoke Alfonso Soriano comparisons, and held his own as an 18 year old in the Sally. Tejeda has more athleticism, and a stronger arm than Soriano at his age - but is all upside at this point. Coming off minor heart surgery, and a staph infection, Oscar had a tough start to the SAL season, but improved as the season went on. Everyone who watches him swing sees the potential of a middle of the order hitter, but, again, that's all projection, and not much production.
Rauch is a very solid reliever, who would have slotted at the back end of the Royals pen for the coming season. The team felt comfortable moving him, as both Brian Wolfe and Doug Waechter should give the team similar results.
Tejeda continues to evoke Alfonso Soriano comparisons, and held his own as an 18 year old in the Sally. Tejeda has more athleticism, and a stronger arm than Soriano at his age - but is all upside at this point. Coming off minor heart surgery, and a staph infection, Oscar had a tough start to the SAL season, but improved as the season went on. Everyone who watches him swing sees the potential of a middle of the order hitter, but, again, that's all projection, and not much production.
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Jan 7th - Chris Snyder is back in blue. The team moved Rocco Baldelli and Jamey Carroll to the White Sox for the services of Snyder. Carroll was a recent waiver claim, who would have been used in emergency situations, but Baldelli was tough - and GM Zalaski said he will continue to root for Baldelli's continued health improvement and future success.
Snyder gives the team a power and on-base threat from behind the plate, in the 7th slot in the order - but, much more importantly, gives the Royals one of, if not the, best fielding catchers in the MLB and the sim. This continues to align with Zalaski's desire to extract himself from the bottom of the fielding percentage category that, along with injuries, has hurt the team over the past three years. The shopping of Montero, and Snyder's extension gave us great comfort that the C job in Arizona is Snyder's for the time being.
Snyder gives the team a power and on-base threat from behind the plate, in the 7th slot in the order - but, much more importantly, gives the Royals one of, if not the, best fielding catchers in the MLB and the sim. This continues to align with Zalaski's desire to extract himself from the bottom of the fielding percentage category that, along with injuries, has hurt the team over the past three years. The shopping of Montero, and Snyder's extension gave us great comfort that the C job in Arizona is Snyder's for the time being.
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Yankees
- Posts: 4312
- Joined: Fri Jan 31, 2003 1:00 am
- Location: Fulshear, TX
- Name: Brett Zalaski
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April 28th - Getting the ball rolling on these again, GM Zalaski announced that the Royals have acquired Ty Wigginton and Doug Brocail from the Twins for Anthony Slama and Casey Weathers.
"Well, we're all in this year," Zalaski said. "Wigginton brings a tremendous bat and fielding versatility back to KC, and Brocail gives us a chance to field a bullpen without a SIM era over 4.00."
"Losing Slama and Weathers were excruciating," Zalaski continued, "especially considering we're going to be seeing each of them for the next 10 years versus Minnesota - but if you have a chance to win, you have to go for it, and this deal gets us that much closer."
"Well, we're all in this year," Zalaski said. "Wigginton brings a tremendous bat and fielding versatility back to KC, and Brocail gives us a chance to field a bullpen without a SIM era over 4.00."
"Losing Slama and Weathers were excruciating," Zalaski continued, "especially considering we're going to be seeing each of them for the next 10 years versus Minnesota - but if you have a chance to win, you have to go for it, and this deal gets us that much closer."
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Yankees
- Posts: 4312
- Joined: Fri Jan 31, 2003 1:00 am
- Location: Fulshear, TX
- Name: Brett Zalaski
- Contact:
July 28th - Getting the ball rolling again on this page, the Royals have announced a bit of a blockbuster. Working with Cardinals GM Aaron Dorman, the Royals have parted ways with stud Jair Jurrjens, Josh Willingham, Tim Collins, and their #1 draft pick. While that seems like a LOT going out of town, the Royals were able to solidify the overall health of the organization, while not losing ground this year.
Another year beset by injuries have seen the Royals use Braden Looper for WAY too many innings. To help rectify this, the team has picked up the solid SIM'ing John Lannan and Brett Cecil to fortify the rotation down the stretch. While Jurrjens is clearly the best player in the deal, and only 23 years old, both Cecil and Lannan are 24 or under, and present upside and stability. Lannan is clearly a #3 starter - fringy #2 - while Cecil has clear #2 stuff, but needs to get in control of it.
Matt Capps was the deal sealer, as he and fuentes can provide a huge wall at the back of the Royals bullpen this year, and his three year splits should make him solid again in 2010.
Normally GM Zalaski does not like to give up the best player in the deal, but felt like this fortified his team for the current, and the future.
Josh Willingham was going to be used to pick up a CF, and Michael Brantley fits that bill. Randy Winn should give the Royals one more solid year in KC, while Brantley has done everything (steals, walks per K, obp, defense) well at AAA except his batting average - which will come.Cardinals trades Matt Capps, Michael Brantley, John Lannan, Brett Cecil, Steven 8-Upchurch, to Royals for Jair Jurrjens, Josh Willingham, Tim 7-Collins, Royals Draft Pick 1,
Another year beset by injuries have seen the Royals use Braden Looper for WAY too many innings. To help rectify this, the team has picked up the solid SIM'ing John Lannan and Brett Cecil to fortify the rotation down the stretch. While Jurrjens is clearly the best player in the deal, and only 23 years old, both Cecil and Lannan are 24 or under, and present upside and stability. Lannan is clearly a #3 starter - fringy #2 - while Cecil has clear #2 stuff, but needs to get in control of it.
Matt Capps was the deal sealer, as he and fuentes can provide a huge wall at the back of the Royals bullpen this year, and his three year splits should make him solid again in 2010.
Normally GM Zalaski does not like to give up the best player in the deal, but felt like this fortified his team for the current, and the future.
Josh Willingham was going to be used to pick up a CF, and Michael Brantley fits that bill. Randy Winn should give the Royals one more solid year in KC, while Brantley has done everything (steals, walks per K, obp, defense) well at AAA except his batting average - which will come.Cardinals trades Matt Capps, Michael Brantley, John Lannan, Brett Cecil, Steven 8-Upchurch, to Royals for Jair Jurrjens, Josh Willingham, Tim 7-Collins, Royals Draft Pick 1,
