Royals Trade Rumors

Royals have deal with righty Thompson
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November 19
Foxsports.com
 
"Right-hander Brad Thompson has agreed to a one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals, a major league source told FOXSports.com. As a minor league free agent, Thompson was able to agree on a 2010 contract prior to Friday, when major league free agents can begin signing with new clubs. Thompson is 21-17 with a 4.36 in 185 major league appearances, all with the St. Louis Cardinals. He has made 32 starts in the big leagues."
Cubs trying hard to trade Bradley
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November 10
SI.com
 
"The Cubs are trying hard to dump the perennially malcontented Milton Bradley here at the GM meetings, as it isn't just manager Lou Piniella who didn't connect with him in his season here. Apparently, several key members of the team -- including Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Zambrano -- barely speak to Bradley. "I don't think they dislike him. But Milton's a unique guy who doesn't fit in, like the oddball kid in class,'' one Cubs-connected person said. "He doesn't try to fit in. The other guys tried to take him in, but he's one of those kids that simply doesn't want to be part of anything,'' one Cubs person said. The Chicago Tribune reported that a Bradley blowup with now-deposed hitting coach ..."
Catch me if you can: Market full of backstops
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November 9
MLB.com
 
"The free-agent market for catchers in 2009-10 is chock full of high-profile experience, durability and veteran savvy behind the plate. Even though the catching crop's best offensive player, Victor Martinez, was taken off the table when the Red Sox, as expected, picked up his $7.7 million option, recent World Series-tested backstops such as Bengie Molina (2002), Ivan Rodriguez (2003, '06), Jason Varitek (2004, '07), Yorvit Torrealba (2007) and Rod Barajas (2001) are, or are expected to be, available. Molina, who won a World Series ring with the Angels in '02, continues a career as a highly respected defensive catcher and proceeds to develop as a run-producing hitter, spending a good portion ..."
Royals trim 40-man roster by sending pitcher John Bannister to Omaha
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November 9
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals created an additional space on their 40-man roster Monday afternoon by sending right-handed pitcher John Bannister to Class AAA Omaha on an outright assignment after he cleared waivers. Bannister, 25, chose to stay with the organization by agreeing to a minor-league contract. He was 1-0 with a 5.02 ERA in eight relief appearances at Class AA Northwest Arkansas following his Aug. 11 arrival from Texas in a waiver claim. The outright assignment offered Bannister the chance to become a free agent because of previous minor-league service. He is 26-33 with a 4.75 ERA in 154 games over six professional seasons spent entirely in the Texas system prior to his eight games at Northwest ..."
Sox' Getz confirms trade to Kansas City
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November 6
Chicago Tribune
 
"White Sox second baseman Chris Getz confirmed he has been traded to Kansas City with Josh Fields for Mark Teahen and an undisclosed amount of cash. Getz said he was notified by Sox general manager Ken Williams of the trade, ending more than 24 hours of speculation after a report in Thursday's editions of the New York Daily News. The cash included in the deal will provide aid to the Sox, who could give the arbitration eligible Teahen a 2010 contract that could be worth around $5 million. Getz and Fields aren't eligible for salary arbitration. "I'm happy," Fields said before placing a return call to Williams."
Reports of Teahen trade appear to be premature
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November 6
Kansas City Star
 
"It didn't take long for the Royals to surface in baseball's offseason trade rumors. Merely hours after the New York Yankees secured their 27th World Series title, a report claimed the Royals had agreed to send outfielder Mark Teahen to the Chicago White Sox for second baseman Chris Getz and third baseman/outfielder Josh Fields. The report first appeared Thursday in the New York Daily News and gained steam when the Chicago Sun-Times cited confirmation from the White Sox. It now appears those reports, at best, are premature. "We're in discussions with a lot of clubs about a lot of things," Royals general manager Dayton Moore said. "There is nothing to announce yet, and we won't comment ..."
White Sox trade Chriz Getz and Josh Fields to Royals for Mark Teahen
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November 5
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The White Sox have traded Josh Fields and Chris Getz to Kansas City in exchange for infielder-outfielder Mark Teahen, the White Sox have confirmed. Teahen hit .271 while connecting on 12 home runs and driving in 50 runs last season. The 28-year-old lefty has spent his entire five-year career with the Royals. The move likely means Jermaine Dye, who is a free agent, will be replaced in right field by Teahen."
Players pick Greinke as American League's top pitcher
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October 29
Kansas City Star
 
"Royals right-hander Zack Greinke garnered another award Wednesday as the top pitcher in the American League. This one came courtesy of his peers in balloting for the Players Choice Awards. Greinke was previously selected as the AL's top pitcher by The Sporting News and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum after going 16-8 with a 2.16 ERA. He now appears positioned as the favorite for the Cy Young Award, which will be announced Nov. 17."
Royals hire Cleveland assistant as new head trainer
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October 23
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals reached outside the organization Thursday in hiring Nick Kenney to replace Nick Swartz as their new head athletic trainer. Kenney joins the organization after spending the previous five seasons as an assistant trainer for the Cleveland Indians. He previously worked two years as an assistant trainer for the Cincinnati Reds. "We have hired one of the most highly respected trainers in the game," Royals general manager Dayton Moore said. "Nick brings a high level of energy, enthusiasm and expertise to the Royals' organization. "I'm extremely confident that he will lead and direct our medical programs in a very progressive and dynamic manner.""
Meche likely done for '09; Bannister seeks second opinion
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September 11
Kansas City Star
 
"Gil Meche is now unlikely to pitch again the rest of the season, and Brian Bannister is headed to New York for a second opinion, both Royals pitchers dealing with shoulder injuries. Royals manager Trey Hillman would not reveal what Bannister's diagnosis is from team doctors, or whether he thought it was possible for Bannister to pitch again this season. The Royals hope Meche - who has shoulder inflammation - can play catch sometime soon, but are in no hurry to put him back in the rotation. "I guess it's possible, but it's doubtful," Hillman said. "We want to monitor his body, continue to treat it.""
Gordon, DiNardo arrive from Omaha
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September 9
Kansas City Star
 
"Third baseman Alex Gordon and pitcher Lenny DiNardo are the latest reinforcements to join the Royals for the season's closing run. Both arrived Tuesday, one day after Class AAA Omaha completed its 64-80 season. O-Royals manager Mike Jirschele will join the big-league coaching staff before Wednesday's game. The staff has been down one member since Eddie Rodriguez departed in late August to serve as manager of the United States team in the World Cup. DiNardo immediately joins the rotation as the starter for Thursday's series finale against Detroit at Kauffman Stadium. He was 10-5 with a 3.32 ERA in 29 games, including 23 starts, at Omaha. "Real good (reports)," manager Trey Hillman said. "He ..."
Moore confirms Hillman to return as manager, says players accountable for poor season
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September 4
Kansas City Star
 
"If there was any doubt before, there is none now. Trey Hillman will return next year for a third season as the Royals' manager. For weeks, as the club foundered, general manager Dayton Moore voiced strong support for his increasingly beleaguered manager. He can now do more than that. Moore is now himself armed with a contract extension through 2014 and further bolstered by an assurance from owner David Glass of independence in determining Hillman's fate. That permits Moore to say, unequivocally for the first time, that Hillman will return for the final season of his three-year contract. "Yes, Trey will be back," Moore told The Star in an extended interview. "I think Trey has done an ..."
No deal yet on contract extension for Royals GM Moore
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August 29
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals privately confirm talks are under way regarding a contract extension for general manager Dayton Moore, but multiple club sources - including Moore - dismissed online reports that a deal is done. Moore's current contract runs through the 2010 season. "There's nothing for me to comment on at this point," Moore said. "I'm very confident in our direction and with the support we're receiving from (owner) David and (club president) Dan Glass." Moore has come under fire this season because of the club's disappointing performance. The Royals entered Friday with the American League's worst record at 49-78 after showing steady improvement over the two previous years. David Glass ..."
White Sox and Cubs look for help before deadline
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July 31
ESPN.com
 
"The Chicago Cubs are looking to add a top-flight defensive outfielder as the trading deadline approaches at 3 p.m. CT on Friday. Players who the Cubs have looked at include Oakland's Rajah Davis. The Cubs are not interested in whether the player is an outstanding offensive player. Their main concern is getting someone who can play top-notch defense in center late in games. If the Cubs are not able to pull off a deal, left-handed hitting Sam Fuld will split playing time in center with Kosuke Fukudome. The Cubs have talked to Kansas City on numerous occasions about the availability of infielder/outfielder Mark Teahen. Kansas City general manager Dayton Moore has not shown an interest in ..."
Teams interested in Royals' Bannister
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July 31
Foxsports.com
 
"The Brewers made an offer for Royals right-hander Brian Bannister on Thursday, but were told, "We're not motivated to move him." The Royals did not even counter the offer. The Yankees and other clubs have shown interest in Bannister, but the Royals' position is that they would move the pitcher only for a knockout proposal."
Royals notebook | Meche slotted for rehab start
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July 31
Kansas City Star
 
"Gil Meche is heading to Class A Wilmington for a rehab start Sunday after reporting no day-after problems in his lower back following a three-inning simulated game Wednesday at Camden Yards. "He's feels pretty good," manager Trey Hillman confirmed, "so we're going to move forward. He is scheduled to pitch 55 to 65 pitches Sunday in Wilmington. "It's a day game. It's close. He doesn't have to get on an airplane to get there. It works out with their schedule." Meche is scheduled to return to Kansas City following his rehab start and work out Monday with physical therapist Jeff Blum before the club returns Tuesday after a four-game series at Tampa Bay. "We'll see him Tuesday," Hillman said, ..."
Royals ready to get in the mix?
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July 31
Foxsports.com
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"The Royals have been one of the quieter teams leading up to the trade deadline, but it remains possible that they will make a trade (possibly two) before Friday at 4 p.m. ET. One source with close knowledge of their plans said a handful of clubs have remained in contact with the Royals about infielder/outfielder Mark Teahen and left-handed reliever Ron Mahay. Despite acquiring Ryan Garko and Freddy Sanchez within the past week, the Giants are open to adding another hitter and still have some level of interest in Teahen, the source said."
Royals get Anderson from Tigers
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July 30
Foxsports.com
 
"The Royals announced today that they have acquired outfielder Josh Anderson from the Tigers for cash considerations. Anderson was recently designated for assignment when Carlos Guillen returned from the disabled list."
Twins looking for infield help
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July 23
Foxsports.com
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"With the news that Joe Crede's right shoulder will be examined Thursday by Dr. Lewis Yocum, the Twins' search for infield help could become more intense. In theory, Minnesota GM Bill Smith could pursue upgrades at third base, second base or shortstop. The Twins have already discussed shortstop Orlando Cabrera with the A's, sources said Wednesday, and he might be the best fit of all. He's hitting .304 over his last 60 games, according to Retrosheet.org. His right-handed bat would fit nicely in the No. 2 hole, behind Denard Span and ahead of Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, all of whom are left-handed. And let's not forget the most important statistic involving Cabrera: He has been on a playoff ..."
Royals get utility man Freel in trade with Cubs
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July 6
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals have acquired utility player Ryan Freel and cash from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for a player to be named. Freel, who mostly played third base for the Cubs, was four for 28 in 14 games for the Cubs before being designated for assignment Thursday."
Bannister available but Soria is not
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July 6
SI.com
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"The Royals, despite all their issues, have several pitchers that interest teams. Their closer, Joakim Soria, would be of particular interest in a market devoid of closers or even exceptional setup men. But so far the Royals have resisted any temptation. It also appears that the Royals are reluctant to trade Gil Meche, though the Phillies have been connected to Meche. The one pitcher the Royals seem willing to move appears to be right-hander Brian Bannister. According to one competing executive, in fact, they are "pushing Bannister.'' Bannister, who's 6-6 despite the Royals' weak offense, actually isn't such a bad fallback choice for teams interested in a starter in what appears to be a ..."
Buster helps the Braves make a deal
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July 6
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
 columnist Mark Bradley
"Here are six, as listed by Buster Olney of ESPN.com, who assumes the Braves are looking to trade Yunel Escobar and Javier Vazquez. (And didn't someone we know suggest the Vazquez thing two months ago? Why, yes he did.) Since this is an ESPN Insiders thing and the link requires registration, I'll again quote extensively: Boston: "In order to make a deal for Escobar, the Red Sox would probably have to engage a third team, and here's the thing - they are perfectly suited to do this, because they have the commodity that everybody else want: pitching. In theory [and what immediately follows is pure speculation], they could engage the Brewers about Corey Hart, or the Indians about someone like ..."
Working the sell phones
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July 1
MLB.com
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"Indians GM Mark Shapiro has seen this movie before and might be directing it again. The struggling Tribe already shipped out useful vet DeRosa and rumors abound that Shapiro might say goodbye to pitchers Carl Pavano and Kerry Wood and possibly even slugging catcher Victor Martinez if the price is right. The Orioles could dangle Aubrey Huff, Ty Wigginton or Luke Scott, the Pirates and Nationals already have shown a willingness to part with a good portion of their players, the Royals could make available a host of position players and pitchers, the Padres might offer a little hitting (Scott Hairston) while the D-backs could deal pitching (Doug Davis, Jon Garland, Chad Qualls) to the right ..."
Royals draftees bring potential signability issues
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June 12
Kansas City Star
 
"Baseball's three-day, 50-round, 1,521-pick draft is over, finally, the kind of marathon process that had even the suit-and-tie Dayton Moore dressing casual. Now all that's left is for the Royals to sign as many of their 49 picks as possible. In each of the two years since baseball instituted a hard deadline for signing draft picks, the Royals have gone - at least - until the last few minutes before agreeing to terms with their first pick. "There's always potential for that," said J.J. Picollo, Royals' scouting director. "We'll be optimistic. But if you look at the past history, there've been deals that have gone right down to the final minutes. If that's what it is, and the player signs, ..."
Soria unlikely to return until early June
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May 24
Kansas City Star
 
"Injured closer Joakim Soria threw 25 pitches off the bullpen mound in a pregame workout that served as the latest test in his recovery from a strained right rotator cuff. "I threw all of my pitches," he said, "and it felt good. I'm making progress. Right now, I feel I could throw a (full-scale workout in the) bullpen. We'll see how I feel (today)." Plans call for Soria to limit his throwing today to playing catch before resuming mound workouts Monday when the club returns to Kauffman Stadium. The Royals still plan to send him out on a minor-league rehab assignment before returning him to active duty. That suggests Soria is unlikely to return before early June. "I want to get him back," ..."
No target date yet for Soria to resume throwing
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May 13
Kansas City Star
 
"Here was a sobering sight for the Royals before Tuesday's series opener against the A's at the Oakland Coliseum: All-Star closer Joakim Soria ran about the outfield, shagging balls, in batting practice. But he then stopped each time, removed his glove in order to make weak return throws with his left hand. There is no target date at this point for Soria to test his strained right rotator cuff by throwing. "Not until the inflammation goes down," manager Trey Hillman said. "We're looking at some different exercises for his shoulder, but nothing more than that." The Royals placed Soria on the 15-day disabled list after Sunday's 4-3 loss at Los Angeles. The move is retroactive to last Friday, ..."
Clock ticking on slumping Aviles
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May 12
Kansas City Star
 
"Sunday offered another sign of the Royals' growing concern at Mike Aviles' inability to snap free from a seasonlong slump. Aviles found himself on the bench for the third time in eight games when manager Trey Hillman put light-hitting Luis Hernandez at shortstop. Hillman then acknowledged it was a choice between Hernandez and Willie Bloomquist. "I thought it was a good opportunity going into (Monday's) off day," Hillman said, "to give Mike a little more rest and, hopefully, clear his mind and allow him to relax a little bit." Aviles is the poster child of the Royals' inconsistent attack, which ranks 11th among the 14 American League teams in runs scored. He is batting just .202 with one ..."
Guillen expected back in the lineup tonight
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April 25
Kansas City Star
 
"Trey Hillman expects José Guillen back in the lineup tonight, and the Royals manager would prefer that return comes in right field instead of at designated hitter. Guillen, out with a partial tear of the right hip flexor tendon, is eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list today. "I'd rather play him in right. That's my plan," Hillman said. "I'll check with him after he finishes all his work today, just give him a heads up of what I'd like to see happen and see how that fits how his body's feeling." Said Guillen: "I'm fine. I've been fine. I don't feel anything at all. I'll be ready (Saturday)." Hillman thought Guillen, who was two for 12 at the plate in three games before the injury, ..."
A-Rod's injury fuels rumors of Yankees' interest in Teahen
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March 9
Kansas City Star
 
"Alex Rodriguez's decision to undergo surgery on his hip is fueling rumors that the New York Yankees are interested in Mark Teahen as a temporary replacement at third base. Royals officials, for now, are brushing off the speculation, and general manager Dayton Moore has long maintained that Teahen is more valuable now to the club than in previous years because of his versatility. "What I'm hoping," one Royals official said, "is they sign (second baseman Mark) Grudzielanek. That way, we get a (compensatory) draft pick." Teahen, 27, is currently playing third base for Canada in the World Baseball Classic but spent his last two seasons in the outfield. He shifted his focus this spring to ..."
Surplus of catchers drawing interest from other clubs
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March 8
Kansas City Star
 
"One topic drawing increasing interest among opposing scouts tracking the Royals is the club's apparent surplus of catchers. "A lot of teams need catchers," one scout said, "and they've got three guys who can help a big-league club. You know they're probably only going to keep two. So you know somebody is going to be available." The breakdown: • Miguel Olivo received a promise that he will open the regular season as the club's starting catcher. He also has a guaranteed contract for $2.7 million that includes performance bonuses. • John Buck has a non-guaranteed contract for $2.9 million, which provides the club with some financial flexibility - if they're willing to cut him. Players get ..."
Source: Royals sign Cruz to 2-year, $6M deal
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February 28
Foxsports.com
 
"The Royals, intent on competing in 2009, have signed free-agent reliever Juan Cruz to a two-year, $6 million contract, according to a major-league source. The deal includes a $3.5 million club option for a third season that could raise the total value to $9.5 million, the source said. None of the money is deferred. The signing amounts to a coup for both sides: Cruz gets a better deal than most envisioned at this late stage, and the Royals get a pitcher who had the second-highest strikeout rate among relievers last season. Cruz, 30, will team with two other right-handers, setup man Kyle Farnsworth and closer Joakim Soria, to give the Royals a formidable late-inning relief corps. The Royals ..."
Royals notebook: Interest in Hudson remains keen
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February 15
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals continue to look longingly at free-agent second baseman Orlando Hudson, who remains unsigned after drawing only mild interest this offseason from the Dodgers, Mets, Yankees and Nationals. It's uncertain whether the Royals can do more than look. "Nothing's changed from what I said earlier," general manager Dayton Moore said. "For us to add any payroll, we'd have to take it away from somewhere else. We're at our limit." Club officials had Hudson on their early offseason wish list before his price - and other expenditures - forced them to consider alternatives to finding a full-time replacement for departed Mark Grudzielanek. The Royals signed veteran free-agent utilityman Willie ..."
Royals maxed out on payroll but still eyeing free-agent market
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February 11
Kansas City Star
 
"The skidding free-agent market beckons enticingly as spring training nears. And, no, the Royals aren't immune despite already exceeding their record for a budgeted $70 million payroll. How low will the price go on second baseman Orlando Hudson or shortstop Orlando Cabrera? Both appeared on the Royals' initial offseason wish list because of their potential to solidify a youthful infield. Club officials once viewed outfielders Bobby Abreu and Adam Dunn - and, yes, Manny Ramirez - as unfathomable luxuries. That led to the late October acquisition of first baseman Mike Jacobs from Florida to fill the Royals' need for pop. Who knew then that Abreu, Dunn and Ramirez would still be available when ..."
Rich Hill may be an Oriole sooner, not later
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February 2
Baltimore Sun
 
"I don't have a lot of inside info on this -- other than what I steal daily from Orioles beat writer Jeff Zrebiec -- but I've got to believe the Orioles nail down the deal for pitching reclamation project Rich Hill in the next day or two if they're going to do it at all. The Orioles seem to have the inside track on all the surplus Cubs prospects, but now that everyone knows Hill is available, you've got to believe some other teams will try to get involved if the O's don't finalize the thing soon. We've heard the Mariners also have been sniffing around and maybe the Royals. And why not? The guy had some pretty impressive stats a couple of years ago. It's possible that Andy MacPhail is ..."
Crisp ready to knuckle down with the Royals
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January 18
Kansas City Star
 
"Coco Crisp is talking about his days with the Red Sox. He's talking about the championship, the fans and the pressure - when he cracks his knuckles. The Royals' new center fielder does this without pausing, without looking, and this may seem utterly inconsequential - except that it is not. Knuckle-cracking is something of a sign of health for Crisp, one he's been without for most of the last couple years after breaking the index finger of his left hand. That finger broke in 2006, his first season in Boston, and Crisp says it didn't fully heal until the end of last year, when he could crack that knuckle again for the first time in years. "Once that happened, I felt like I was able to swing ..."
Furcal appears to be out of Royals' reach
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December 17
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals finalized one more contract to solidify their bullpen on Tuesday as they saw their chances at their most expensive target diminish. Rafael Furcal, depending on what you read and when you read it, appears to be staying with the Los Angeles Dodgers or leaving for Atlanta. Either way, the Royals' pursuit of the market's top free-agent shortstop will likely be unproductive. The team will continue to monitor other middle-infield possibilities, but for now, at least, must take inventory of what's so far been a successful offseason - the latest move the re-signing of left-handed reliever John Bale to a one-year deal worth $1.2 million plus incentives. "For us to add any other players," ..."
Sources: A's offer deal to Furcal
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December 15
ESPN.com
 
"With Rafael Furcal moving closer to making a decision on where to sign, the Oakland Athletics appear to be in the lead to sign the free-agent shortstop, with an offer of four years and $40 million, according to sources. The Los Angeles Dodgers, who declined to offer Furcal arbitration earlier this month, have remained engaged but do not appear to be close to Oakland's proposal. The Kansas City Royals have interest and need but may not have the flexibility to make a deal. The Toronto Blue Jays have had interest -- and need -- in Furcal, but they have dropped out of the bidding entirely."
Shortstops remain available in market
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December 15
MLB.com
 
"Milwaukee general manager Doug Melvin was talking recently about his unwillingness to trade shortstop J.J. Hardy, even though the team has a young and talented shortstop-in-waiting in Alcides Escobar. "That's a premium position ... it's hard to find shortstops," Melvin told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Which is why teams have been scooping up available shortstops this winter and doing so without breaking the bank, as Major League teams have found some bargains during this offseason. All while two of the biggest names left remaining on the free-agent market are shortstops -- Rafael Furcal and Orlando Cabrera, who probably didn't anticipate the Winter Meetings passing without finding a ..."
Veterans Bale, Gathright among players not offered contracts by Royals
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December 13
Kansas City Star
 
"Even general manager Dayton Moore acknowledged the Royals had to trim a payroll that projected to more than $75 million. "We're going to have to move some guys," he said. "We've got to look at it." The trims came late Friday when pitcher John Bale, outfielder Joey Gathright, utility infielder Jason Smith and minor-league pitcher Jairo Cuevas were not offered contracts. The decisions avoid potential arbitration cases with Bale, Gathright and Smith and trim an estimated $4-plus million in projected payroll. That puts the club roughly back on pace for its $70 million budget. All four players become free agents. The Royals also avoided a potential arbitration case by reaching agreement on a ..."
Royals designate Jason Smith to clear space for Horacio Ramirez
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December 12
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals designated utility infielder Jason Smith for assignment Friday to clear space on their 40-man roster for left-handed pitcher Horacio Ramirez. Smith, 31, spent the first four month of last season at Class AAA Omaha before the Royals purchased his contract on Aug. 2. He got just 28 at-bats while playing in 22 of the club's final 51 games. The Royals signed Ramirez, 29, on Thursday to a one-year deal for $1.8 million that includes performance bonuses capable of boosting its value to $2.9 million. When Ramirez's contract was confirmed Friday by Major League Baseball and the players' union, the club needed to add him immediately to the 40-man roster. Since the Royals had no available ..."
Royals sign Ramirez, Waechter and close in on Farnsworth as winter meetings close
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December 11
Kansas City Star
 
"The only item left for the Royals on their off-season shopping list is that impact middle infielder that once seemed little more than holiday dreaming. General manager Dayton Moore and other club officials departed the winter meetings Thursday with a sense of accomplishment after signing swingman left-hander Horacio Ramirez and right-handed reliever Doug Waechter. They also reached a tentative agreement with power reliever Kyle Farnsworth on a two-year deal. The Royals, against all odds, also remain in the hunt for free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal. That still seems a long shot. Even Moore admits it will require some serious financial kanoodling. But who knows? This is one town that never ..."
Dodgers face obstacles in re-signing Rafael Furcal
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December 11
Los Angeles Times
 
"With third baseman Casey Blake re-signed and negotiations with Manny Ramirez at an impasse, the Dodgers have shifted their focus on retaining Rafael Furcal. But major obstacles have to be cleared if the Dodgers are to re-sign Furcal, who played in only 36 regular-season games this year because of back problems that required surgery. The Dodgers have offered the 31-year-old shortstop an incentive-laden contract that is guaranteed for two years and includes a vesting option for a third, according to sources familiar with the negotiations who were granted anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss the matter. Furcal is asking for a four-year deal. Furcal's agent, Paul Kinzer, said ..."
Royals close to reacquiring Horacio Ramirez
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December 10
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals are closing in on a one-year contract to reacquire free-agent pitcher Horacio Ramirez. The deal could be announced as soon as today. Ramirez, 29, was 1-1 with a 2.59 ERA last season for the Royals in 15 relief appearances before an Aug. 9 trade sent him to the Chicago White Sox for minor-league outfielder Paulo Orlando. The Royals plan to give Ramirez, a left-hander, an opportunity to win a spot in the rotation."
Moore shoots down Royals rumors at winter meetings
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December 10
Kansas City Star
 
"One tantalizing rumor after another chased the Royals through the long angling corridors of the Bellagio hotel and casino Tuesday as the baseball industry worked through the second full day of its annual meetings. The whopper concerned a whopper to send right-hander Zack Greinke and outfielder José Guillen to Atlanta for outfielder Jeff Francoeur and a number of other prospects. Then came word the Chicago Cubs were coming hard after outfielders David DeJesus and Mark Teahen to fill their need for a left-handed bat. And, finally, speculation surfaced that outfielder Jermaine Dye could be returning to the Royals through a trade with the Chicago White Sox. General manager Dayton Moore shot ..."
Royals still searching for ways to add impact free agent
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December 9
Kansas City Star
 
"The idea of the Royals taking a run at a major free-agent signing isn't quite dead yet. General manager Dayton Moore concedes such a move would require the club to shed some payroll, which is already projected at roughly $70 million, but declines to rule out the possibility. "We're trying to do is weigh different scenarios to free up some financial flexibility to do some things," he said. "It's just so early in the process. There are ways to add a marquee free agent, but we would have to do something else. "We would have to move a player or a couple of players to free up some money - and then get creative on the back end of a contract." The Royals, as they search this week for bullpen ..."
Royals' search for bullpen help points toward Farnsworth and Springer
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December 9
Kansas City Star
 
"The search for right-handed relievers remains the Royals' over-riding priority this week as the baseball industry circulates through the twisting configuration of the massive Bellagio hotel and casino. So what happens? The club's first personnel move Monday at the winter meetings was the departure of a right-handed reliever when the Houston Astros claimed Jeff Fulchino on waivers. "I'm happy for Jeff," general manager Dayton Moore said. "He's getting an opportunity. We signed him as a six-year free agent, and he was willing to go to Double-A. He made the most of his opportunity and got back to the big leagues." Even so, Fulchino, 29, was never more than a long shot to fill either vacancy ..."
Moore reiterates Royals aren't looking to trade Teahen
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December 8
Kansas City Star
 
"Royals general manager Dayton Moore sure sounds like a man who doesn't want to trade outfielder Mark Teahen, even though Teahen no longer seems to have a regular position in the lineup. "Mark Teahen is more valuable to our team today than he was a few weeks ago," Moore insisted. "He's a (high-) quality player who we feel will continue to get better. "He can play multiple positions, which is obviously very important - even more so now with the depth that we have. "We're trying to build a championship team. And to build a championship team, you've got to have multiple options with your team. Mark gives us those options. So he's very valuable to us." Valuable enough to shell out more than $3 ..."
Las Vegas dealers
Comment
December 7
Boston Globe
 
"Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin runs a baseball team in middle America. The economy is tough, yet he waits to hear whether CC Sabathia will accept their $100 million offer or whether he'll have to move on to Plan B. As baseball's winter meetings get underway tomorrow at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Melvin expects there will be a lot of teams in the same boat - going to Plan B or perhaps no plan at all. "Because the market has been slow, it's got a chance to where agents may dominate the meetings trying to get a feel for what they can get," said Melvin. "We all have to be aware of the economy - even the big-market teams, from what I've seen. "We're in a situation where the ..."
Royals notebook: Grudzielanek offered arbitration, likely to decline
Comment
December 2
Kansas City Star
 
"Don't look for veteran second baseman Mark Grudzielanek to return next season to the Royals despite being offered arbitration just hours before Monday's deadline. Grudzielanek said he is "95 to 98 percent sure" that he will decline the offer and instead become a free agent eligible to negotiate with any team for a salary to be determined by the market. "I'm going to be a little spoiled," he said, "and try to go to somebody with a better (chance) to reach the World Series." Assuming Grudzielanek, 38, doesn't change his mind before the 11 p.m. deadline Sunday, and succeeds in signing with another team, the Royals would receive a sandwich pick between the first and second round of next year's ..."
Club must decide Monday whether to offer arbitration to Grudzielanek
Comment
December 1
Kansas City Star
 
"It's decision time Monday for the Royals in regard to veteran second baseman Mark Grudzielanek. Clubs have until 11 p.m. Central time to offer arbitration to their free agents in order to receive a compensatory draft pick if the player signs elsewhere. The Royals have only one free agent: Grudzielanek, a 14-year veteran who batted .299 last season in 86 games before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in an Aug. 1 collision with first baseman Ross Gload. Offering arbitration to Grudzielanek, 38, once seemed unlikely because of its potential financial ramifications, but general manager Dayton Moore refuses to rule it out. "We're still evaluating that decision and comparing it to other ..."