Kansas City Royals Trade Rumors

Gordon, Royals appear close on one-year deal
February 7
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals appear close to an agreement with left fielder Alex Gordon on a one-year contract that would eliminate the need for a Feb. 16 arbitration hearing in Tampa, Fla. Gordon, who turns 28 on Friday, filed an arbitration request for $5.45 million, while the club countered at $4.15 million. Gordon made $1.4 million last season when he produced a breakout offensive season and won a Gold Glove for defensive excellence. Major League labor rules permit the two sides to reach a negotiated settlement until an arbitration ruling is announced. The arbitrator must select one of the two submitted figures."
Royals agree on one-year deals with Brayan Pena, Chris Getz
January 17
Kansas City Star
 
"It was just past lunchtime in Miami when Brayan Pena's phone starting ringing. If most 75-degree winter days in south Florida are good days, Pena grabbed his cell and quickly explained why this day felt better than most. Early Monday, the Royals and Pena agreed to terms on a one-year deal for $875,000. The contract allowed the Royals to avoid arbitration, and it provided Pena, a veteran catcher, with some peace of mind: After three years as a part-time player in Kansas City, he'll have the opportunity to return to Surprise, Ariz., in February and compete for a roster spot as the Royals' backup catcher."
Royals sign veteran Kouzmanoff to minor-league deal
January 15
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals have reached an agreement with veteran third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff on a minor-league deal, club officials confirmed on Saturday morning. The deal, which includes an invitation to big-league camp, is believed to be worth $1 million, plus incentives, if Kouzmanoff makes the major-league club. It's also believed to include a stipulation that could allow Kouzmanoff to be granted his release if he's still in the minors on May 1. The move should provide depth and insurance at a position that will be manned by Mike Moustakas, who is entering his first season of full-time major-league duty after batting .263 with five homers in 338 at-bats over 89 games in 2011. Moustakas, however,"
Late-developing market for late-inning types
December 26
Foxsports.com
 
"Yes, Ryan Madson and Francisco Cordero are still out there. "The trade market snuck up on these free-agent closers," the NL executive said. "They should have taken the money and ran. All of a sudden, (Huston) Street, (Andrew) Bailey and (Brandon) League are out there. That's a significant impact on the free-agent pool that's normally not there." Street was dealt from Colorado to San Diego. Bailey (A's) and League (Mariners) are still available. Some in the industry believe Joakim Soria (Royals) and Carlos Marmol (Cubs) could be had for the right price. With those cost-controlled alternatives, it's understandable why clubs have been reluctant to offer Madson a four-year contract. For now,"
Sources: Red Sox called on Kansas City closer Joakim Soria
December 18
WEEI Boston
 
"According to multiple sources, the Red Sox had discussions with the Royals about the possibility of dealing for Kansas City closer Joakim Soria. The talks have currently failed to progress, however, with KC seeking (according to a source) at least "a couple solid pieces." (Translation: the kind of players the Red Sox aren't going to be putting in a deal for Soria.) The 27-year-old Soria — whom the Red Sox did have some interest in at the 2010 non-waiver trade deadline — is coming off his worst season, converting 28 of 35 save opportunities, while finishing with a 4.03 ERA. Opponents hit .259 off of the righty, who hadn't allowed an OBA of higher than .219 in any of his previous four"
Pirates acquire Navarro from Kansas City
December 8
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"The Pirates acquired Kansas City Royals infielder Yamaico Navarro from the Kansas City Royals in a trade this evening. The Pirates marted with minor league pitcher Brooks Pounders and infielder Diego Goris. Navarro, 24, hit .206 in 42 career major league games -- 36 with the Red Sox and six with the Royals. He hit .264 with seven home runs and 11 doubles in 59 minor league games between the Red Sox' and Royals' Class AAA teams. Pounders, 20, finished last season in Class A West Virginia, where he went 5-5 with a 3.68 ERA in 36 games. He made one start."
Jays chasing K.C. reliever Holland
November 30
Toronto Sun
 
"In an effort to re-build their bullpen, the Blue Jays have been examining Kansas City Royals relievers. And the most attractive arm the Jays see is right-hander Greg Holland. Of course, the Royals like the looks of Holland too. After all he was arguably K.C.'s most dependable arm this season going 5-1 with a 1.80 ERA and four saves in 46 games. Holland, 26, a 10th-round draft of the Royals in 2007, walked 19 and struck out 74 in 60 innings."
Royals reportedly sign closer Broxton
November 29
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals, it appears, have added another veteran option to their cache of young bullpen arms. The club has agreed to a one-year deal with former Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton, pending a physical, according to numerous reports. Terms of the deal were not immediately available."
Royals, pitcher Bruce Chen agree to two-year, $9 million contract
November 24
Kansas City Star
 
"C'mon back, Chen! The Royals reached agreement Wednesday night with veteran left-hander Bruce Chen, their pitcher of the year, on a two-year contract for a guaranteed $9 million. The deal is pending a routine physical that should occur early next week. "Bruce has been our most consistent pitcher over the last two seasons," general manager Dayton Moore said, "and we feel he's going to continue to perform at that level." The deal calls for $4.5 million in base salary for 2012 and 2013 with the opportunity to add $1 million each year through performance bonuses. Chen, 34, made $2 million last year in base salary while going 12-8 with a 3.77 ERA in 25 starts. He is a combined 24-15 with a 3.96"
Royals `getting closer' to deal to retain Chen
November 23
Kansas City Star
 
"Not only did the Royals offer arbitration to left-handed pitcher Bruce Chen prior to tonight's deadline, they also appear to be making progress in reaching agreement on a new contract. "I know he wants to be here, and we want him here," general manager Dayton Moore said. "The feeling is mutual. We'd like to get something done before the Winter Meetings (next month in Dallas). I think we're getting closer." Chen, 34, is believed to be seeking a two-year deal in excess of $10 million after going 12-8 with a 3.77 ERA last season in 25 starts. He is a combined 24-15 with a 3.96 ERA over the last two seasons."
Royals show interest in Oswalt
November 15
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals are expected to meet with the agent for free-agent pitcher Roy Oswalt during the General Managers' Meetings, according to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. The meetings began today and run through Wednesday in Milwaukee. Oswalt, 34, is seeking a long-term contract, according to agent Bob Garber, despite the possible limitations imposed by two degenerative disks in his lower back. He became a free agent when Philadelphia opted not to exercise a $16 million option for next season."
Trade talks heat up
November 5
Kansas City Star
 
"The hot stove grew warmer this week for the Royals, whose offseason efforts to bolster their rotation led to discussions with the Atlanta Braves regarding right-hander Jair Jurrjens. Those talks stalled when the Braves, after offering to include infielder Martin Prado, asked the Royals to surrender minor-league outfielders Lorenzo Cain and Wil Myers. The Royals are interested in Jurrjens and appear willing to deal Cain, whose path to the big leagues is blocked by a returning trio of Alex Gordon, Melky Cabrera and Jeff Francoeur. Trading Myers, 20, is a different matter. Although he is likely to return next year to Class AA Northwest Arkansas, Myers was picked recently by The Star as the"
Moyer primed for comeback at 49
November 4
Foxsports.com
 
"Forget comeback player of the year. Jamie Moyer might become the comeback player of the half-century. Moyer, who turns 49 later this month, is a free agent and has thrown for scouts twice recently, including Thursday in San Diego. So far, the left-hander is getting rave reviews. "Same as he's been for the past 15 years — as incredible as that may sound," one veteran scout said. "He has a chance to pitch in the big leagues as a fifth starter and win 10 or 12 games. He's throwing 81 to 83 miles an hour, but he still knows how to make you look like an idiot. He doesn't need the money. But I think he has that fire burning in his belly." Another scout observed: "It was amazing. He looked as"
Three Royals file for free agency; decision due today on Soria
October 31
Kansas City Star
 
"Three Royals were automatically filed for free-agency at 11:01 p.m. Saturday in accordance with Major League Baseball's labor agreement. Catcher Jason Kendall and left-handed pitchers Bruce Chen and Jeff Francis were among the 148 players affected. Kendall was, officially, reinstated from the 60-day disabled list before his filing took effect. The labor agreement grants exclusive negotiating rights to a player's former team until 11:01 p.m. Wednesday. Thereafter, free agents are permitted to negotiate — and sign with any team."
Royals mulling whether to extend Soria's contract
October 28
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals have three days after the conclusion of the World Series to notify closer Joakim Soria whether they intend to exercise the $6 million option in his contract for next season. The decision is widely viewed as a formality. Club officials say there is no reason not to retain Soria despite a disappointing season in which he finished 5-5 with a career-worst 4.03 ERA and 28 saves in 35 chances. Soria, 27, is the club's highest-paid player and is entering the option phase of a multiyear extension — that ranged from three to six years — signed May 17, 2008. The first three years were guaranteed at $8.75 million. The value jumps to $6 million in 2012, $8 million in 2013 and $8.75 million"
Royals' Gordon shows great improvement after vow to 'dominate'
September 13
Kansas City Star
 
"It's been nearly a year now since a struggling Alex Gordon served up the stunning declaration that he "was going to dominate" in 2011. It was a remarkably uncharacteristic boast from a usually soft-spoken player. Of course, it caused a stir. Gordon was batting .233 at the time, had just 16 RBIs in 52 games since returning from a demoted-for-cause stay at Class AAA Omaha and faced mounting odds just to avoid being viewed as a bust. Dominate? Really? He said "dominate?" On reflection, Gordon readily admits, he should have used another word. And yet … "I had that attitude," he said, "I took it into the offseason, and I worked probably harder than I ever had before. I definitely changed up my"
Late surge boosts Hosmer's case for Rookie of the Year
September 13
Kansas City Star
 
"Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer doesn't want to think about it, but he's putting on a late-season kick that should ensure he gets serious consideration when the Baseball Writers' Association of America selects the American League Rookie of the Year. Hosmer batted .370 with seven homers and 16 RBIs in a 20-games-in-20-days stretch that concluded Sunday with a 2-1 victory at Seattle. He leads all AL rookies in hits and ranks first in average and on-base percentage among those playing at least 100 games. "I think you can hurt yourself by thinking about that stuff," Hosmer said. "If you're going out and trying to win every day by helping the team, that stuff will come. Once you start worrying"
Peña hopes to return next season – even in diminished role
September 9
Kansas City Star
 
"Brayan Peña wants to return next season to the Royals even if he finds his playing time reduced to the level he endured last season as Jason Kendall's backup. "I'm willing to accept my role," Peña said. "I'm willing to be a backup. I've always been a backup. I wish the Kansas City Royals will bring me back here. I want to be here. That's the thing. I really want to be here. "I like the way we have been playing, and I like the path we're on. We've got a lot of good young guys. That makes me one of the veteran guys. I really like the mix that we have." The Royals show no doubt they view rookie Sal Perez as an ironman catcher capable of playing 140 games or more. That leaves little room for a"
Francoeur reaches 1,000 hits in style
September 2
Kansas City Star
 
"It wasn't quite a called shot, but Royals right fielder Jeff Francoeur, after entering Thursday with 999 career hits, vowed to get No. 1,000 in his first at-bat against the Tigers at Comerica Park. Francoeur fulfilled his pledge driving an 0-1 pitch from Detroit rookie Jacob Turner just fair over the left-field wall for a two-run homer in the second inning. It was the first salvo in the Royals' 11-8 victory over the Tigers. "It was exciting to do it on a home run," Francoeur said. "I just got a text message from my mom. She was laughing about it because my first hit in the big leagues was a home run. Now, my 1,000th hit was a home run. That's kind of neat." Hit No. 1 was a three-run homer"
Back spasms sideline pitcher Felipe Paulino
September 1
Kansas City Star
 
"The tightness in Felipe Paulino's back started Tuesday and grew worse overnight. By the time he arrived Wednesday at the Royals' clubhouse, he knew couldn't make his scheduled start against Detroit at Comerica Park. "It just happened (Tuesday) before practice," Paulino said. "I got up today, and it was real bad. I can't pitch with this. Hopefully, it will get better today with treatment. I hope it will just be a few days." The Royals replaced Paulino by pulling little-used rookie Nate Adcock from their bullpen. Adcock made two previous starts in May because of injuries to other starters but has pitched only 7 1/3 innings in four appearances since July 27. Adcock responded by pitching into"
Baseball could put cap on Royals' draft spending
August 23
Kansas City Star
 
"The announcements came in droves, and the money followed. In the span of one day, the Royals shelled out $1.5 million for a high school right-hander from Texas, spent another $695,000 for a prep pitcher from Florida and offered up $750,000 for a high school shortstop picked in the 16th round and more than $1 million combined for two late-round high school pitchers from cold-weather states. By the time the Royals concluded negotiations with a collection of draft picks last Monday, they had committed more than $14 million to 34 draft picks, including $7.5 million to first-round pick Bubba Starling of Gardner. The number shattered the Royals' previous record of $11.1 million spent in the 2008"
Brett: Starling 'not baseball ready' because of late signing
August 17
Kansas City Star
 
"Bubba Starling's professional baseball career would have gotten off to a better start if Major League Baseball would set an earlier deadline to sign players than Aug. 15. That's the word from Royals Hall of Famer George Brett, who was happy to see Starling sign with the Royals but is sorry Starling squandered a season of development. "I wish they would change the rules a little bit and make the deadline July 4," Brett said before participating in an exhibition Tuesday at the Nationwide golf tournament at the Nicklaus Golf Club at Lions-Gate. "These kids are going to get the same amount of money. "If they made the deadline July 4, these guys would sign July 4 and the guy would jump on the"
Royals sign first-round pick Bubba Starling
August 16
Kansas City Star
 
"All day Monday, there was silence. Most of the night, too. No word from the Royals. No word from their coveted first-round selection from June's amateur baseball draft, Bubba Starling, a center fielder and multi-sport phenom from Gardner Edgerton High School. Starling had a football scholarship to the University of Nebraska waiting for him if he spurned the Royals' advances, and as the clock neared zero on Monday's deadline of 11 p.m. Central time, the silence continued. Royals general manager Dayton Moore waited inside Kauffman Stadium, later saying the talks finally heated up in the final five to six minutes. Inside his home in Gardner, Bubba and his family waited for the last 10 seconds"
Bubba Starling faces midnight deadline to pick Nebraska or Royals
August 15
USA Today
 
"By midnight Monday, Bubba Starling will know his future. He will be playing football and baseball for Nebraska or become a member of the Kansas City Royals organization. After the deadline to sign with the Royals passes, he would have to wait three years to begin a professional baseball career. Starling, the No. 5 overall selection in June's draft, could received a contract worth in excess of $7 million. In addition to being a standout pitcher and outfielder at Gardner Edgerton High just outside Kansas City, Starling also starred at quarterback. He ran for 2,471 yards and 31 touchdowns and threw for 812 yards and eight scores as a senior."
Royals release Kyle Davies to clear roster space for Perez
August 10
Kansas City Star
 
"Time ran out Wednesday morning on the Royals' willingness to wait for right-hander Kyle Davies to develop into a reliable starting pitcher. The Royals requested unconditional release waivers on Davies, 27, in order to clear space on their 40-man roster for the arrival of catcher Salvador Perez from Class AAA Omaha. The move comes with Davies on the 15-day disabled list for the second time this season because of arm problems. He was 1-9 with a 6.75 ERA this season in 13 starts. Players can be released while on the disabled list. If claimed by another club, they remain on the disabled list for that club. But any club would also assume the balance of Davies' $3.2 million salary - or roughly"
Salvador Perez expected to join Royals as regular catcher
August 10
Kansas City Star
 
"The next piece in the Royals' youthful transition to the future should arrive tonight with the anticipated promotion of catcher Salvador Perez from Class AAA Omaha. Perez, 21, is expected to become the club's regular catcher upon his arrival. He has been widely viewed as the organization's catcher of the future, and his promotion to the big leagues prior to the end of the season loomed as a virtual certainty. Circumstances hastened the move. Brayan Peña is departing the team today to attend the birth of his child in Miami, which leaves the club with just one available catcher - rookie Manny Piña - because Matt Treanor remains on the seven-day disabled list while recovering from a"
Royals could be busier than ever in coming weeks
August 2
Kansas City Star
 
"There's irony for the Royals as the nonwaiver trading deadline, which occurred Sunday, retreats in the distance. They could be far more active this month in reshaping their roster than at anytime during the July countdown. For example: General manager Dayton Moore admits the organization's "goal" is for second baseman Johnny Giavotella, a top prospect, to get "100 to 150 at-bats in the major leagues" before the end of the season. That suggests a summons is likely to occur by mid-August at the latest. Giavotella, 24, appears to have little left to prove offensively in the minors. He was batting .341 through Sunday at Class AAA Omaha in 106 games, including a .391 mark in 60 games since June"
Davies to disabled list; Teaford recalled to fill vacancy
August 2
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals will go with a 13-man pitching staff, one more than normal, for a while longer - only now the extra man will be in the bullpen and not the rotation. Left-handed reliever Everett Teaford will be recalled from Class AAA Omaha before tonight's series opener against the Baltimore Orioles. He replaces right-handed starter Kyle Davies, who was placed on the disabled list Monday because of a shoulder injury. Teaford, 27, was 0-0 with one save and a 2.25 ERA in 16 innings over 17 appearances in two previous tours this season with the big-league club. He was also 3-2 with a 3.34 ERA in 16 games for the Storm Chasers. Davies, 27, was diagnosed with an impingement in his right shoulder in"
Aviles enters the mix
July 31
Boston Herald
 
"The Red Sox made a minor move yesterday that might not impact them immediately, but one they hope eventually bears fruit. They acquired versatile infielder Mike Aviles from the Kansas City Royals for infielder Yamaico Navarro and minor league right-hander Kendal Volz. The 30-year-old Aviles, who finished fourth in the Rookie of the Year voting in 2008, has minor league options and could end up at Triple-A Pawtucket, where the Red Sox hope he can learn to play the outfield and then become a super-sub in the mold of Bill Hall, who played everywhere last year. "He's a guy our organization has liked from afar for a while," manager Terry Francona said. "He came up and he was the guy that could"
KC's trade possibilities focus on rotation as deadline nears
July 29
Kansas City Star
 
"The internal debate by the Royals regarding the merits of sticking with a six-man rotation could become moot over the next few days if the club succeeds in trading one of its starting pitchers. Veteran lefties Jeff Francis and Bruce Chen along with right-hander Kyle Davies are drawing interest from several clubs in advance of the non-waiver trading deadline, which is 3 p.m. Central time Sunday. All three will be free agents after the season, but only Chen seems likely to require compensation if he signs elsewhere after being offered arbitration. None are likely to generate much of a return in a trade since all project as No. 5 starters for a contender. "Nothing has changed with our"
Royals sign prospect Adalberto Mondesi
July 27
ESPN.com
 
"The Kansas City Royals have signed Dominican prospect Adalberto Mondesi, a shortstop and the 16-year-old son of former major league outfielder Raul Mondesi. Mondesi received a $2 million signing bonus, according to his father. "The whole family is very happy for Adalberto, and all he wants to do is play baseball and follow in my footsteps," Raul Mondesi said by phone from Miami, where the Royals and the player reached the agreement. "If it was up to him, he would have signed for free.""
Cabrera's recent surge might make him less likely to be traded
July 27
Kansas City Star
 
"Any contending team in search of outfield help is getting an eyeful from Royals veteran Melky Cabrera as time ticks down to the 3 p.m. deadline Sunday for nonwaiver trades. Cabrera produced his fifth career four-hit game Monday when the Royals pulled out a 3-1 victory over Boston in a 14-inning marathon at Fenway Park. That gave Cabrera a .400 average in his last 20 games and boosted his season mark to a club-leading .300. He also has 19 runs, 14 RBIs and 10 extra-base hits in his 20-game surge. So, it's not surprising that Cabrera's name keeps surfacing as a possible acquisition target for teams seeking to add an impact outfielder prior to the deadline. Those believed to be interested"
Sources: Red Sox, Royals have discussed Francoeur
July 24
Foxsports.com
 
"The Red Sox are among the teams interested in Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran. But some in the industry anticipate that Beltran will insist on his using his no-trade clause to remain in the National League. So, Boston officials are pursuing other alternatives to fill their need for an outfield bat. One option is Kansas City right fielder Jeff Francoeur. The Red Sox have inquired about Francoeur's availability, multiple sources told FOXSports.com; one person briefed on the discussions said they were of an "exploratory" nature. The Royals have a mutual option on Francoeur for next season, so they are under no pressure to move him."
Moore mutes speculation on deals for Soria, Cabrera, Francoeur
July 21
Kansas City Star
 
"The departure of veteran utilityman Wilson Betemit in a trade Wednesday to the Detroit Tigers raises an inevitable question: Which Royal is next in line as the calendar works toward the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline? Speculation spiked earlier this week that it could be closer Joakim Soria after general manager Dayton Moore suggested an asking price of two impact starting pitchers – one ready now and one by 2013 – in an interview on MLB Network Radio. Not so fast. Moore says he was merely suggesting any trade for Soria would require a major return. "We certainly understand and appreciate why there would be strong interest in him," Moore said. "He's a premium closer. But he fits for us,"
Royals trade Betemit to Tigers for two minor-league prospects
July 21
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals, in a move that looks to the near-term and longer-term future, traded veteran utilityman Wilson Betemit to the Detroit Tigers for two minor-league players prior to Wednesday's game against the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium. The move was no surprise because Betemit's playing time dwindled significantly after the June 9 promotion of third baseman Mike Moustakas, one of the organization's top prospects, from Class AAA Omaha. "He's a kid who has power from both sides," manager Ned Yost said, "but when Moose got here, he needs to play. We had the option of keeping (Betemit) as an extra infielder, but there's not playing time there." The Royals acquired catcher Julio"
Betemit content to wait and see what happens as trade rumors swirl
July 18
Kansas City Star
 
"Wilson Betemit remembers the first time his name surfaced in trade talks. That was five years ago in Atlanta, when he was still young enough to be viewed as a cornerstone of the Baby Braves' youth movement. "That was tough," he said. "I'd never been through a situation like that. Are they going to trade me? Why don't they want me? All of that. But now, I understand that this is business. If it happens, it happens. If not, then good." Betemit, now 29, looms as the Royals' likeliest trade candidate as the days count down to the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline. He is now a veteran switch-hitter who can fill multiple roles. He is a looming free agent who is unlikely to qualify for"
Betemit could be first Royal traded; Cabrera next?
July 17
Foxsports.com
 
"Wilson Betemit isn't the most well-known trade chip on the Kansas City roster. But he may be the most likely to go before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. The Brewers, unsatisfied with their production at third base, have talked with the Royals about acquiring Betemit, major-league sources told FOXSports.com. Betemit, 29, has played all four infield positions during his nine-year career, but now he's viewed primarily as a corner infielder. A switch hitter, Betemit has a respectable .835 OPS in 140 games over the past two seasons. Betemit's playing time has decreased sharply since star prospect Mike Moustakas became the Royals' everyday third baseman. But Betemit batted .306 during"
Phillies looking for a bargain
July 17
Foxsports.com
 columnist Ken Rosenthal
"The Phillies are telling rival clubs that they can add about $2 million in salary. The amount makes sense, considering that the Phils' payroll reportedly is within $3 million of the $178 million luxury-tax threshold. But the relatively modest sum doesn't mean the team will be unable to address its needs. The Phils, for example, could add Padres reliever Mike Adams and Royals right fielder Jeff Francoeur with payroll room to spare — Adams and Francoeur combined are earning slightly more than $5 million, which means they will be owed about $1.7 million on July 31. Again, that's just an example — the Phils have serious interest in Adams, but so do the Yankees, Rangers and other clubs, major"
Beltran, Reyes are top names for unpredictable trading season
July 15
SI.com
 
"The trading season began rather bizarrely, with the Mets rushing to trade Francisco Rodriguez, their star high-priced closer with the scary vesting option, a new agent and a missing no-trade list. K-Rod's previous agent failed to submit his 10-team no-trade list, and Mets higher-ups became concerned that his just-hired agent, Scott Boras, might try to rectify this situation. Although there was seemingly no way to submit a list that was already two years late, Mets GM Sandy Alderson didn't think it was worth taking a chance a trade could be stalled by a debate over the missing list. Shortly after Boras was hired, the Mets were telling interested teams K-Rod would be somewhere else "within"
GM Moore says Royals' current group could remain intact
July 14
Kansas City Star
 
"Attention in the baseball world now turns to the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline, and the Royals, languishing as they are in last place, would figure to be active in numerous discussions. Not so fast. "We'll be aggressive in exploring options," general manager Dayton Moore promised, "but I like this group of players. I like our youth." This isn't like last year, when Moore felt the need to move a series of aging veterans — Scott Podsednik, Rick Ankiel, Kyle Farnsworth and José Guillen — who clearly did not project as part of the club's future. He now sees a club where the catcher, either Matt Treanor or Brayan Peña, is the only player in the starting lineup on most nights older than"
Bubba Starling still deciding between Royals, Cornhuskers
July 7
Kansas City Star
 
"Barring a breakthrough over the next few days, Bubba Starling will head to Nebraska on Saturday, where he will start training with the Cornhuskers football team. Starling, who was selected fifth overall by the Royals in the first round of last month's baseball draft, has the option of playing baseball and football in Lincoln. Down one path is a dream of helping his hometown team win a World Series, but the other is equally tempting — leading the storied Nebraska football program into the Big Ten era, chasing BCS titles and Rose Bowl berths. "We've come a few steps closer to making a decision, but I haven't made a final choice yet," Starling said. The Royals, of course, would prefer to sign"
Royals may trade a few
July 6
SI.com
 
"One competing GM said he believed the Royals would trade Wilson Betemit, Jeff Francoeur and Jeff Francis and that Francis could succeed in the NL, where he had the best years of his career for the Rockies. That exec said he believed the Royals want to keep Melky Cabrera."
Royals in position to listen to trade offers
July 1
Kansas City Star
 
"The signs that baseball's summer shopping season is fast approaching are no harder to detect than radio stations heralding the Christmas holidays by switching to full-time caroling in November. Scouts are the prime indicator but only the visible tip of the iceberg. They show up in greater numbers for games, particularly those involving clubs viewed as prospective sellers, for updated eyewitness assessments. "Every contender is looking for that guy who can put you over the top," one scout said. "Sure, you'd like to get a star but, a lot of times, it's the reliable part-time guy who fills a role who ends up being the difference." Royals right fielder Jeff Francoeur proved to be just such a"
Sources: MLB, players talk realignment
June 12
ESPN.com
 
"A simple form of realignment being seriously considered has been raised in the labor talks between Major League Baseball and the players' association, according to four sources: two leagues of 15 teams, rather than the current structure of 16 teams in the National League and 14 in the American League. According to a highly ranked executive, one consideration that has been raised in ownership committee meetings is eliminating the divisions altogether, so that 15 AL and 15 NL teams would vie for five playoff spots within each league. Currently, Major League Baseball has six divisions."
Eight prospects to watch in Royals' draft
June 6
Kansas City Star
 
"You should know that baseball's draft is unpredictable and specific in ways that the more popular drafts with the NFL and NBA are not. This draft, in particular, is drawing wildly different opinions about everything from player value to where this class stacks historically — some say it's one of the best ever, but others, including an AL executive speaking last week, call it "just OK." That explains in part why there are so many names on this list, and also why it may not even include the man the Royals select fifth overall today. At any rate, this list was compiled with the help of a few baseball men whose job it is to analyze the draft. One general thought with which this list is done:"
Royals will wait to see who's available with fifth overall pick
June 6
Kansas City Star
 
"It's a matter of waiting, at this point, for the Royals as the hours click down to 6 tonight for the start of Major League Baseball's first-year player draft. Their evaluations are in. Their draft board is in place. Their selection with the fifth overall pick will, in all likelihood, simply be the highest-ranked player still available on their board. "You just line the players up on how you'd select them," general manager Dayton Moore confirmed, "That takes a lot of the anxiety away because you've done all of the work." Pittsburgh, Seattle, Arizona and Baltimore pick before the Royals, who will not make their second selection until the 65th overall selection on their regular turn in the"
Moore offers few specifics regarding Royals' plans in upcoming draft
June 3
Kansas City Star
 
"Nobody expected — did they? — that general manager Dayton Moore would reveal any specifics Thursday about the Royals' draft strategy in what the club billed as its only public predraft discussion. So here you go: "It's very important that you don't give away any information that could hurt your credibility or your opportunity to select a player," Moore said. "You want to keep a lot of that information close to the vest." All clubs, but particularly those with selections near the top of the first round, increasingly cloak their internal evaluations. The Royals achieved near total surprise last year when they chose shortstop Christian Colon with the fourth overall pick. The Royals own the"
Agent puts kibosh on Royals locking up Hosmer
May 13
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Agent Scott Boras on Thursday shot down any hopes the Kansas City Royals had of signing burgeoning star Eric Hosmer to a long-term extension, telling Yahoo! Sports he expects massive increases in television revenue to change the landscape of salaries in baseball. "Athletes have to know that you have to look at the market you're in," Boras said. "You can't look at the markets of the past. For players like Hosmer, as you go back and look, as [Mark] Teixeira had his own market and [Prince] Fielder had his own market, Hosmer will have his own. And something tells me it's going to be a rather eventful one." Hosmer, the 21-year-old first baseman called up by the Royals less than a week ago, is"
Boras spikes any hope for quick multi-year deal for Hosmer
May 13
Kansas City Star
 
"Any effort by the Royals to sign first baseman Eric Hosmer to a long-term deal is likely to be a waste of time. Agent Scott Boras, who represents Hosmer, scuttled those hopes Thursday by telling Yahoo! Sports that baseball's changing financial picture argues against such an extension at this time. "Athletes have to know that you have to look at the market you're in,' Boras said. "You can't look at the markets of the past. For players like Hosmer, as you go back and look, as (Mark) Teixeira had his own market and (Prince) Fielder had his own market, Hosmer will have his own. "And something tells me it's going to be a rather eventful one." The Royals have not expressed any interest publicly"