Kansas City Royals Trade Rumors

Royals sign reliever Marte, infielder Bianchi
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February 9
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals reached one-year contract agreements Monday with reliever Victor Marte and minor-league infielder Jeff Bianchi. Terms were not disclosed, but both deals are believed to split contracts with the major-league portion at or near the $400,000 minimum. Marte, 29, made his major-league debut last season with eight appearances following his Sept. 5 promotion from Class AAA Omaha. He allowed 12 runs and 13 hits in 12 innings after compiling a 2.24 ERA in 39 games at Omaha and Class AA Northwest Arkansas."
Royals finalize deals with three pitchers, catcher Pina
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January 27
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals finalized major-league contracts with left-handed pitchers Dusty Hughes and Edgar Osuna, right-handed pitcher Blake Wood and catcher Manny Pina. Osuna, 22, was selected in the Rule 5 draft, which means the Royals need to carry him on the 25-man roster all season or risk losing him. He is expected to get at least a look at making the rotation after going a combined 7-10 with a 4.02 ERA in 27 games in the Braves' organization last year. Hughes, 27, made his big league debut last September, going 0-2 with a 5.14 ERA in eight games. He was 3-3 with a 3.50 ERA in 34 games and made the All-Star team for Class AAA Omaha last year."
Royals still shopping for outfield help
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January 12
Foxsports.com
 
"Less than a week after signing Scott Podsednik, the Royals haven't stopped looking for outfield help. Kansas City is currently looking for a power-hitting right fielder or designated hitter, according to a major league source. The player's role would probably depend upon whether Jose Guillen is healthy enough to play in the outfield on a regular basis, after his disappointing and injury-shortened 2009 season. The Royals probably won't have a good gauge of Guillen's capabilities until they see him on the field in spring training. The Royals don't have much payroll flexibility but have some degree of interest in free agents Jonny Gomes and Marcus Thames, the source indicated. Kansas City is ..."
Royals sign reliever Herges to minor-league deal
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January 11
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals signed veteran right-handed reliever Matt Herges to a minor-league contract with an invitation to big league spring training. Herges, 39, was 3-1 with a 3.38 ERA over 30 appearances and 34 2/3 innings last season for the Indians and Rockies."
Coco Crisp reportedlty to sign with A's
Comment
December 21
Kansas City Star
 
"A former Royal is about to sign with another American League team. Outfielder Coco Crisp has reportedly been plucked from the crop of available free agents. The Oakland Athletics were closing in on a deal Sunday with him on a one-year contract with a club option for the 2011 season. Crisp provided Kansas City with solid early returns before shoulder surgery ended his season, Crisp's first with the Royals, prematurely. A person with knowledge of the negotiations confirmed an impending deal on condition of anonymity because a formal announcement had not been made by the club. That could come soon. Crisp, 30, can play all three outfield positions but is primarily a center fielder. While the ..."
Royals sign OF Costa to minor-league deal
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December 16
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals signed outfielder Shane Costa to a minor league contract that does not include an invitation to big-league spring training. Costa, 28, played in just one game for Class AAA Omaha in 2009 before a season-ending lower leg injury. Costa has hit .254 in 154 career big-league games, most recently in 2007. He batted .295 for Omaha in 2008."
Royals sign RHP Humber to minor-league deal
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December 16
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals signed right-handed pitcher Philip Humber to a minor-league contract with an invitation to big-league spring training. Humber, 26, spent the last two seasons with the Twins after coming over from the Mets in the Johan Santana trade. Last year, he was 7-9 with a 5.34 ERA in 23 games at Class AAA Rochester and gave up 17 hits and eight earned runs in nine big league innings (8.00 ERA). He has a 6.07 ERA in 18 career big-league games."
Boston sends cash to Royals, completing Hulett trade
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December 15
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals received cash instead of a player from the Red Sox on Tuesday, completing last month's trade that sent infielder Tug Hulett to Boston. Hulett spent most of last season in the minor leagues, but appeared in 15 games for the Royals, batting .111 with one RBI in 18 at bats."
15 teams watch Chapman throw
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December 15
ESPN.com
 
"Fomer Cuban national team starting pitcher Aroldis Chapman threw a bullpen session on Tuesday in Houston in front of representatives from 15 major league teams. On Tuesday morning at the Baseball USA complex, the left-hander tossed two separate five-minute side sessions, throwing mostly in the 92-93 mph range and topping out at 96 mph. Chapman, 21, also threw his slider and change-up. Team representatives who attended included Houston Astros general manager Ed Wade, Los Angeles Angels scouting director Eddie Bane, Florida Marlins vice president of player development Jim Fleming, Pittsburgh Pirates international scouting director Rene Gayo, and Baltimore Orioles international scouting ..."
Bale, Jacobs officially no longer with Royals
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December 15
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals secured unconditional waivers on pitcher John Bale and DH Mike Jacobs Monday, meaning both are officially free agents. Jacobs hit .228 with 19 homers and 61 RBIs for the Royals in 2009 while making $3.25 million. Bale pitched just 28 1/3 innings with a 5.72 ERA while dealing with injuries. He made $1.2 million."
Jays reportedly agree to deal with Buck
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December 13
MLB.com
 
"The Blue Jays agreed to a one-year contract with free-agent catcher John Buck on Sunday, according to a report on ESPN.com. General manager Alex Anthopoulos declined comment. Buck -- non-tendered by the Royals on Saturday -- has reportedly agreed to a contract with $2 million for the upcoming season with the Blue Jays. Buck became expendable for Kansas City after the Royals signed veteran catcher Jason Kendall to a two-year contract on Friday. Buck, 29, hit .247 with eight homers and 36 RBIs over 59 games with the Royals last season. Over six years with Kansas City, the catcher has hit .235 with 70 homers and 259 RBIs."
Three pitchers sign new deals, but Buck, Anderson become free agents
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December 13
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals pushed decisions on tendering contracts nearly to the 11 p.m. deadline Saturday night before reaching one-year deals with three pitchers and choosing not to extend offers to catcher John Buck and outfielder Josh Anderson. The agreements with right-handers Brian Bannister, Kyle Davies and Roman Colon avoided potential arbitration cases. Bannister, 28, received a raise to $2.3 million after making $1.7375 million last season when he was 7-12 with a 4.73 ERA in 26 starts before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in early September. Davies, 26, also finished last season with an injured shoulder but got a $500,000 raise to $1.8 million after going 8-9 with a 5.27 ERA in 22 ..."
Chen returns to club on minor-league deal
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December 12
Kansas City Star
 
"Veteran lefty Bruce Chen will get another chance to pitch his way onto the Royals' big-league roster after agreeing to terms Friday with the club on a minor-league contract. Chen, 32, made 17 appearances last season for the Royals, including nine starts, after signing a minor-league deal in March after pitching for Panama in the World Baseball Classic. He was 1-6 with a 5.78 ERA. The Royals also signed reliever Adam Bostick, 26, in an effort to bolster their thin list of left-handed bullpen candidates. He spent the last three years in the New York Mets' system. "We felt like that was an area we needed to address," said Scott Sharp, the club's director of minor-league operations. "Bostick ..."
Buck not expected to be offered contract before deadline
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December 12
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals were expected to severe ties Saturday with catcher John Buck by choosing not to offer him a contract before the 11 p.m. deadline. That decision became a virtual certainty Friday when the club reached agreement with free-agent catcher Jason Kendall on a two-year contract for $6 million. It means Buck, 29, would become a free agent who can negotiate with any other team without the Royals receiving compensation in return. The Royals were expected to tender contracts to all other players under their control, which would leave them with 39 players on their 40-man roster. Buck batted .247 last season with eight homers and 36 RBIs in 59 games as the backup to since-departed Miguel ..."
Royals progressing toward deal with Kendall
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December 10
Foxsports.com
 
"The Royals are progressing toward a two-year agreement with catcher Jason Kendall, multiple major league sources indicated Thursday afternoon. One source believes the contract will be worth more than $4 million, but that could not be immediately confirmed. Kendall batted .244 as the Brewers' everyday catcher over the past two seasons but was replaced there by Gregg Zaun. Kendall played in the American League with the A's from 2005 through 2007"
Royals express interest in Mulder
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December 10
MLB.com
 
"Left-hander Mark Mulder, once a 21-game winner but out of baseball last season, is being given a once-over by the Royals. Mulder, 6-foot-6 and 215 pounds, is on the comeback trail after missing 2009 because of shoulder surgery. The Royals would like to bring a left-handed starter into their all-right-handed rotation. Royals general manager Dayton Moore acknowledged on Wednesday that the Royals have interest in the two-time American League All-Star. Mulder posted a 21-8 record for the A's in 2001 with a 3.48 ERA and was named to the All-Star teams in 2003-04. He was in the AL playoffs with Oakland in 2001-02 and in the National League playoffs with the St. Cardinals in '05. But he hasn't ..."
Chapman to throw side session for clubs
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December 10
MLB.com
 
"One of the most intriguing arms races of this Hot Stove season figures to intensify next week in Houston, when Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman throws a side session in front of several Major League teams. Randy Hendricks, who represents Chapman, confirmed that the Red Sox, Yankees and Angels will both be on hand, adding further spice to the sweepstakes for a pitcher who has been clocked at 100 mph. The big questions regarding the 21-year-old Chapman at this point are this: How close to Major League ready is he? What type of salary will he command given his unproven track record? Aside from the Red Sox and Yankees, who seem to be in on every big international free agent, the Orioles and ..."
Royals interested in Yankees' Gardner, FA Mark Mulder and will watch Chapman
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December 10
Kansas City Star
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"Does the Yankees' acquisition of center fielder Curtis Granderson from Detroit make New York's Brett Gardner expendable? The Royals have already asked in an effort to fill their need for a speedy center fielder. Gardner, 26, batted .270 with a .345 on-base percentage and 26 steals last season in 108 games. Checking on Chapman With lefty Noel Arguelles already in tow (or nearly so), the Royals plan to be on hand next week when an even higher-profile Cuban defector, left-hander Aroldis Chapman, stages a workout in Texas. The Yankees are viewed as heavy favorites for Chapman, but the Royals surprised the field last weekend in signing Arguelles. So why not? "You don't know where these things ..."
Others say Royals making strong push for Kendall
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December 10
Kansas City Star
 
"All signs Wednesday pointed to the Royals amping up their pursuit of free-agent catcher Jason Kendall as the winter meetings wound through their last full day. Multiple sources with other clubs seeking catchers said they were told the Royals had extended a two-year offer to Kendall, a 14-year veteran who batted .241 with a .331 on-base percentage last season in 134 games for Milwaukee. The Royals did not confirm the offer, but club officials previously identified Kendall, 35, as their top target once Ivan Rodriguez reached a two-year agreement earlier this week with Washington. General manager Dayton Moore characterized the free-agent market for catchers as "unpredictable," but two-year ..."
Royals release Mike Jacobs and John Bale prior to Rule 5 Draft
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December 10
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals released first baseman/designated hitter Mike Jacobs and left-handed reliever John Bale on Thursday morning prior to the Rule 5 Draft at the winter meetings. Neither move was unexpected after the club failed in efforts to trade both players. Jacobs and Bale were each eligible for arbitration and deemed too expensive to retain. Jacobs, 29, made $3.25 million last season when he batted just .228 with 19 homers and 61 RBIs in 128 games after arriving from Florida in an off-season trade for reliever Leo Nuñez. Bale, 35, made $1.2 million while going 0-1 with a 5.72 ERA in 43 relief appearances. He spent much of the last three seasons on the disabled list after signing with the ..."
Obstacles block Royals' interest in Orioles outfielder Pie
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December 9
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals remain interested in a trade to acquire outfielder Felix Pie but appear unable — and unwilling — to meet Baltimore's asking price of a run-production corner infielder. "I don't think we have any matchups in their eyes," general manager Dayton Moore admitted. The Royals, no surprise, won't part with first baseman Billy Butler or third baseman Alex Gordon. And the Orioles apparently aren't interested in anyone else, including the idea of switching second baseman Alberto Callaspo to third. Pie, 24, batted .266 last season with nine homers and 29 RBIs in 101 games. More important, the Royals believe he possesses the speed and defensive skills they desire in a center fielder. Unless ..."
Royals' search for a veteran catcher continues
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December 9
Kansas City Star
 
"The lure of regular duty alone proved insufficient to land Ivan Rodriguez. So the Royals moved on Tuesday to the next name on their list in a budget-squeezed pursuit of free-agent catchers. That appears to be Jason Kendall. All signs point to the Royals facing a soft ceiling of roughly $2 million for a starting catcher, although they are willing to consider a two-year deal. Paying more leaves too little payroll to fill other holes, including a much-needed center fielder. "We'd like to get somebody who can help (Luke) Hochevar and (Kyle) Davies," general manager Dayton Moore said. "We've got to be open to all possibilities. There just aren't that many guys out there. "But if we go with a ..."
Jackson just the start of pitching deals
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December 8
Foxsports.com
 
"Edwin Jackson will not be the last starting pitcher traded. The Blue Jays are working three- and four-team scenarios involving Roy Halladay. The Braves are aggressively shopping Derek Lowe. The Rangers are actively discussing right-hander Kevin Millwood. Other available starting pitchers include the Reds' Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo, the Royals' Gil Meche, the Rangers' Brandon McCarthy and — only for the right price — the Pirates' Zach Duke and Paul Maholm. For a team such as the Angels, facing the potential loss of free-agent right-hander John Lackey, the options are plentiful. If the Jays' price for Halladay is too high, they can always turn to Lowe. The Orioles, pursuing Millwood, ..."
Royals view Kendall, Barajas as possible catching solutions
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December 8
Kansas City Star
 
"Put veterans Jason Kendall and Rod Barajas on the list of free-agent catchers drawing attention this week from the Royals even as Ivan Rodriguez appeared to slip away by nearing an agreement with the Washington Nationals. "Our catching is an area of focus for us," general manager Dayton Moore admitted. "I don't have a great feel for what we'll do or where we'll go at this point." All signs point to the Royals opting not to offer a contract to John Buck prior to Saturday's deadline. If so, that would leave the club with rookie Brayan Peña as the only catcher on its 40-man roster. The Royals weighed cost against production last month in choosing to jettison Miguel Olivo, who had a ..."
Catcher Kendall eyes Royals
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December 8
Foxsports.com
 
"Free-agent catcher Jason Kendall is focusing on a possible contract with Kansas City. There is a gap in the financial discussions, but the Royals offer what Kendall wants most -- a chance to play every day. Kendall, 35, has appeared in at least 130 games in 13 of his 14 big-league seasons, including each of the last 10. He is a career .290 hitter, but the grind of a heavy catching load has begun to show."
Cubs and Royals meet to discuss a Milton Bradley-for-Gil Meche trade
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December 7
ESPN.com
 
"Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals personnel got together on Sunday night and had peripheral conversations about possible trade scenarios that could work for the two clubs. Milton Bradley would be the type of run producer Kansas City would be interested in, while Royals pitcher Gil Mesh is someone they would consider trading. K.C. is looking for a run-producing outfielder and Bradley could fit nicely with the small-market Royals."
Catching shortage helping Olivo
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December 7
Foxsports.com
 
"There is a shortage of catching. And it is driving the market for the catchers on the open market. Miguel Olivo has found strong interest from San Francisco, Seattle and Colorado. The Giants and Mariners have driven the price up. They are both seeking every day catchers. Colorado, meanwhile, looks at Chris Iannetta as its No. 1 catcher, but wants a strong backup in case a need arises. The Rockies declined a $4 million option on Yorvit Torrealba, but are having renewed discussions on signing him. Olivo became a free agent when Kansas City opted to pay the $100,000 buyout on his $3.3 million option for 2010 even though he led the Royals with 23 home runs while appearing in 114 games last ..."
Royals' plan to build payroll flexibility puts squeeze on efforts to fill immediate needs
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December 7
Kansas City Star
 
"A desire to keep some payroll cash in reserve entering next season means the Royals are operating with an even tighter offseason budget this week at the winter meetings. "We're going to give ourselves some flexibility throughout the season in regard to our payroll," general manager Dayton Moore confirmed. "So going into the season, we're going to be a little less than we went in with last year. "We're going to give ourselves a little more wiggle room to be creative or make adjustments when and where necessary." The change in philosophy means the Royals are now projecting a 2010 payroll of about $66-67 million on opening day for their 25-man roster while still operating on a budget roughly ..."
Royals working on logistics in deal with Cuban pitcher
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December 7
Kansas City Star
 
"The early buzz at baseball's winter meetings, which open officially today, centers on the Royals and what appears to be an imminent deal with Cuban left-hander Noel Arguelles, a 20-year-old who defected more than a year ago in Canada. Only it isn't yet official. "I know what's out there," general manager Dayton Moore said. "I know what the speculation is. I know what the truth of the matter is. There is nothing that I can say about it because of formalities that need to be completed." What's out there — and what club officials aren't denying — is the Royals have an agreement in place with Arguelles for a five-year deal whose value could exceed $7 million. The agreement is a Major League ..."
Royals heading to winter meetings with lots of holes but little cash
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December 6
Kansas City Star
 
"The holiday shopping season brings Royals general manager Dayton Moore and his lieutenants to baseball's annual winter meetings with a prioritized shopping list. But very little disposable payroll, especially if the team finalizes a $7 million deal for Cuban defector Noel Arguellas, a 19-year-old left-handed pitcher. The emphasis, therefore, will be on trade possibilities over the next five days. Any free-agent acquisitions are likely to be bargain-basement signings. "We're going to look to be aggressive through trades," Moore confirmed. "Our free-agent pursuit will not be as aggressive as in the past. We're going to exhaust every opportunity to make trades." The Royals began the offseason ..."
Royals believed near agreement with prominent Cuban defector
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December 6
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals are poised to start the winter meetings with a blockbuster signing. Multiple sources indicate the club was near an agreement Saturday night with Cuban defector Noel Arguelles, a 19-year-old left-handed pitcher regarded as a top prospect. Yahoo.com reported the two sides reached agreement on a major-league deal, pending a physical, for a guaranteed $7 million over five years with incentives capable of adding another $2 million. General manager Dayton Moore denied any deal is in place but said he joined other club personnel last month in the Dominican Republic for a first-hand evaluation of Arguelles. "I can't discuss any aspect of any negotiation," Moore said. "We have scouted ..."
Podsednik draws a look as possible solution in KC's center field
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December 5
Kansas City Star
 
"Free-agent outfielder Scott Podsednik is the latest name to surface in connection with the Royals. Club officials confirmed a FoxSports.com report of contact with Podsednik's representatives but said talks have not progressed beyond a preliminary exploration of interest. General manager Dayton Moore declined to comment directly on Podsednik while again emphasizing the club's preference to seek trade possibilities over free-agent acquisitions next week at the industry's annual winter meetings in Indianapolis. "You know what we need and what we're looking for," Moore said. "But our focus right now, as I've said before, is really not on free agents. Sometimes, they recruit us. That's what is ..."
Cubs will shop Jake Fox and Aaron Miles
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December 3
ESPN.com
 
"As baseball's winter meetings approach for the White Sox and Cubs, trades rather than free-agent signings appear to be the direction the teams are going toward. The White Sox already have solidified their bench by re-signing outfielder/first baseman Mark Kotsay and then inking veterans Omar Vizquel and Andruw Jones in order to backup the infield and outfield. The Cubs are listening to offers on some of their peripheral position players and bullpen pitchers while they work on dealing Milton Bradley. The Cubs have heard from numerous team about Jake Fox. American League clubs such as Kansas City and Oakland believe Fox can be a valuable asset as a part-time designated hitter and position ..."
Moore says club not shopping Callaspo but would listen
Comment
December 2
Kansas City Star
 
"Royals general manager Dayton Moore understands why trade rumors keep swirling around second baseman Alberto Callaspo and even admits to a willingness to listen to offers. "We certainly have an excess in our middle infield as it pertains to second base," Moore said. "Other teams certainly recognize some excess there. So if there's a matchup with another team, we'll certainly be open-minded to try to make a deal that works for everybody." That said, Moore insists the Royals -- despite industry talk to the contrary -- are not shopping Callaspo as baseball gears up for its annual winter meetings next week in Indianapolis. "We're not actively pushing any of our players with anybody," Moore ..."
A's-Royals talks for Callaspo don't take hold
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December 2
Foxsports.com
 
"The A's inquired about Royals second baseman Alberto Callaspo at the recent general managers' meetings, but the talks failed to progress, according to a major-league source. Callaspo would have played third base for the A's, with Mark Ellis remaining at second. But the teams could not agree on the player the Royals would have received in return, the source said. The Royals are willing to trade Callaspo due to their recent acquisition of second baseman Chris Getz from the White Sox. Callaspo, 26, batted .300 last season with 11 homers, 73 RBIs and an .813 OPS."
Sources: Several teams eyeing Mets OF
Comment
December 2
Foxsports.com
 
"A number of clubs have shown interest in Mets outfielder Angel Pagan, major league sources said Wednesday, but it doesn't appear that he's close to being dealt. The Royals have inquired about Pagan, 28, but one source insisted that the Mets don't have interest in Kansas City outfielder Jose Guillen. Pagan, who is arbitration-eligible, probably has greater value to teams searching for an everyday center fielder than he would in New York. He batted .306 in a career-high 88 games this year, but he wouldn't see as much playing time with the Mets in 2010 if Carlos Beltran stays healthy. Pagan should earn a reasonable salary next year, so the Mets aren't obligated to move him. Milwaukee is ..."
Royals shun possible draft pick by not offering arbitration to Olivo
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December 2
Kansas City Star
 
"The lure of a possible draft pick proved insufficient Tuesday for the Royals to risk an arbitration offer to free-agent catcher Miguel Olivo. The decision was expected; the Royals paid a $100,000 buyout last month to void a $3.3 million option on Olivo for next season. Had Olivo accepted arbitration, the process could have easily pushed his salary even higher. Tuesday was the deadline for clubs to offer arbitration to former players who qualified for free agency. Such an offer is required for the club to gain a compensatory draft pick if the player signs elsewhere. Olivo, 31, was classified as a Type B free agent under baseball's ranking system, which meant the Royals would have received a ..."
A's-Royals talks for Callaspo don't take hold
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December 2
Foxsports.com
 (scroll down)
"The A's inquired about Royals second baseman Alberto Callaspo at the recent general managers' meetings, but the talks failed to progress, according to a major-league source. Callaspo would have played third base for the A's, with Mark Ellis remaining at second. But the teams could not agree on the player the Royals would have received in return, the source said."
Free-agent arbitration offer deadline is today
Comment
December 1
Kansas City Star
 
"The off-season marketplace should crystallize somewhat after Tuesday's deadline for clubs to offer arbitration to former players who are now free agents. Rules require clubs to offer arbitration in order to receive compensatory draft picks if the player signs with a new team. Players can choose to surrender their free agency by accepting arbitration with their former club by next Monday. The deadline allows a team to know whether signing a free-agent target will require them to surrender a draft pick -- as the Royals did in losing their second-round choice last June after signing reliever Juan Cruz in February. The Royals don't figure to benefit this year from the process because catcher ..."
Royals exec tries to cool talk about Bedard
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November 27
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Responding to a Yahoo! Sports report that claimed Kansas City was "going hard" after free-agent left-hander Erik Bedard, Royals assistant general manager J.J. Picollo told the team's website that the report in question was an "overstatement." Picollo acknowledged the Royals' interest in Bedard but said the team would have to do much more research into the health of the oft-injured starter."
No surprise if Royals check out Coco Crisp
Comment
November 25
MLB.com
 
"It'll be no surprise if the Royals join the White Sox and other clubs in checking out free-agent center fielder Coco Crisp. True, the Royals declined the option on his 2010 contract but that was for $8 million and nobody was going to pay that for a guy coming off not one, but two, shoulder surgeries that cut short his season. But Royals general manager Dayton Moore liked the way Crisp played early in the season, even with his nagging shoulders, and referred to him as "an exciting, dynamic player." The Royals could use his speed at the top of the lineup and they don't have a proven center fielder right now although Mitch Maier and Josh Anderson are on the roster as well as Willie ..."
White Sox considering Crisp?
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November 25
MLB.com
 
"Ozzie Guillen was asked during Monday's conference call announcing Omar Vizquel's free-agent signing what needs his White Sox had to fill as Thanksgiving approached. Guillen admitted that he liked the ballclub as it currently was constructed, minus possibly another bullpen upgrade. He also talked about the missing piece at the top of the batting order. "Right now, we don't have a true leadoff hitter, but it doesn't mean we truly need it," Guillen said. "We'll try to find one to fit within our budget, but we'll figure it out." The White Sox appear to have made an early move to try to fill that particular void. According to a report from the Chicago Tribune, the South Siders have expressed ..."
Royals sign former No. 1 pick Bullington to minor-league deal
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November 24
Kansas City Star
 
"It took more than 10 years, but the Royals finally signed right-hander Bryan Bullington. The only question now is whether, as a reliever, he can resurrect the potential that made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Bullington, 29, agreed Tuesday to a minor-league deal with the Royals after spending most of last season at Class AAA Las Vegas in the Toronto system. Club officials chose not to confirm whether the signing includes an invitation to big-league camp, although that seems likely. "He is in his second year (of) transitioning to the bullpen," said Scott Sharp, the Royals' director of minor-league operations, "and we expect to see a bump in velocity ..."
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
Comment
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 ..."