Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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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

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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

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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

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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 ..."

Decisions, decisions: Arbitration deadline looms

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December 1

MLB.com

"In ordinary offseasons, the deadline for clubs to offer arbitration to their ranked free agents, which this time arrives Monday at midnight ET, has been a rather predictable occasion. With few exceptions, teams not yet able to strike new deals in the roughly four weeks since their players' declaration of free agency would simply decline to make the offer, effectively severing ties and giving up any claims to compensatory Draft picks. These, however, are extraordinary times -- both for baseball and for the overall economy the sport must use at least as a partial guideline. Thus, the decisions made prior to the deadline will dramatically shape the rest of the signing season for the 169 free ..."

Teahen deal could be in works

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November 24

MLB.com

"The Mark Teahen-to-the-Cubs rumor has resurfaced in Chicago. The Chicago Tribune reported on Sunday that "Kansas City is focused" on second baseman Mike Fontenot and left-handed pitcher Sean Marshall in a possible trade for Teahen. Teahen's name was linked to the Cubs in mid-October before the Royals had added to their outfield by obtaining Coco Crisp in a deal with the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday. Cubs manager Lou Piniella has expressed interest in adding left-handed bats. Teahen slid to .255 last season but, in the two previous seasons, had batted .285 and .290 for the Royals. Last season he had 15 home runs and 59 RBIs in 149 games. Teahen is versatile, capable of playing left and right ..."

Cubs showing interest in Royals' Teahen

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November 19

Kansas City Star

"The search by the Chicago Cubs for a left-handed bat is targeting Royals outfielder Mark Teahen as a possible solution. That search figures to intensify in coming days in the wake of Tuesday's announcement by the Cubs that free-agent pitcher Ryan Dempster has agreed to a four-year deal for $52 million. Keeping Dempster - or finding a suitable replacement - was the Cubs' top offseason priority. Finding a left-handed bat, which manager Lou Piniella recently cited as the club's top offensive need, could come next. The Cubs remain interested in free-agent outfielder Raul Ibañez but are also searching for lower-cost alternatives. Industry analysts predict Ibañez is likely to command a ..."

Cubs showing interest in Royals' Teahen

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November 18

Kansas City Star

"The search by the Chicago Cubs for a left-handed bat is targeting Royals outfielder Mark Teahen as a possible solution. That search figures to intensify in coming days in the wake of Tuesday's announcement by the Cubs that free-agent pitcher Ryan Dempster has agreed to a four-year deal for $52 million. Keeping Dempster -- or finding a suitable replacement -- was the Cubs' top off-season priority. Finding a left-handed bat, which manager Lou Piniella recently cited as the club's top offensive need, could come next. The Cubs remain interested in free-agent outfielder Raul Ibañez but are also searching for lower-cost alternatives. Industry analysts predict Ibañez is likely to command a ..."

Florida Marlins close to dealing Mike Jacobs to Royals

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October 30

Miami Herald

"The Marlins are closing in on a deal with Kansas City in which first baseman Mike Jacobs would be traded to the Royals for right-handed reliever Leo Nunez. With the World Series complete, the deal could be announced within the next few days. Nunez, 25, went 4-1 with a 2.98 ERA in 45 games last season and would likely compete for a set-up role. The 25-year-old native of the Dominican Republic has pitched four seasons in the majors - all with Kansas City - and has a career record of 9-7 with a 4.92 ERA."

Royals, Marlins could be closing in on deal

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October 30

Kansas City Star

"The Royals' off-season quest to add some pop to their lineup finds them moving closer to a deal with the Florida Marlins for first baseman Mike Jacobs. Multiple sources say discussions are ongoing between the two clubs with the Marlins seeking a ready-now, low-cost reliever in exchange for Jacobs, whose salary is poised for a major increase as he enters his first off-season of arbitration eligibility. "I can't comment on specific players who may or may not be available to us," general manager Dayton Moore said. "We're going to do everything we can to make our team better and improve our offense. That's all I can say about that. I can't go into any detail." Sources stressed no deal is yet ..."

Royals exploring deal to send Teahen to Indians for outfielder

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October 27

Kansas City Star

"The Royals are discussing a possible trade with the Cleveland Indians in which they would acquire an outfielder in exchange for Mark Teahen, according to sources with both teams. Talks are believed to center on three possibilities for the Royals in the deal: Franklin Gutierrez, Ben Francisco and minor-leaguer Trevor Crowe. The Royals previously tried to pry either Gutierrez or Francisco from the Indians when shopping reliever Octavio Dotel midway through the 2007 season. All three trade targets are capable of playing center field, which would permit the Royals to shift David DeJesus, as they have long desired, on a full-time basis to left field. No deal appears imminent, but general ..."

Tribe pondering trade for Royals 3B Teahen

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October 27

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Indians' search for a third baseman has taken them to Kansas City. They are talking to the Royals about acquiring Mark Teahen. Kansas City is looking for a center fielder, which would allow them to move David DeJesus to a left field. The Indians have an excess of outfielders in general and center fielders in particular. Franklin Gutierrez, Ben Francisco and Trevor Crowe can play center. The Royals have a standing interest in Gutierrez and Francisco. When the Indians approached them about acquiring right-hander Octavio Dotel in 2007, the Royals wanted Gutierrez or Francisco. The trade never happened and the Royals traded Dotel to Atlanta. Teahen, 27, is a left-handed hitter who has ..."

Marlins increase payroll, talk trade

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October 26

Miami Herald

"The Marlins have decided to raise their payroll to the $30-$35 million range and have been in serious talks to trade Mike Jacobs, officials in contact with the team's front office said. They're also expected to deal Scott Olsen (to make room for Andrew Miller in the rotation) and Kevin Gregg. But there is internal support for keeping Dan Uggla. The Marlins, who had a $22 million payroll in 2008, wanted to deal Jacobs to Kansas City, but the deal died last week because of a medical issue involving the minor-league pitcher that Florida would have received. The Marlins also spoke to Toronto and San Francisco about Jacobs. ''Jacobs and Gregg are the most available,'' one rival general manager ..."

Dealing Castillo Will Be No Easy Task

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October 19

New York Post

"LUIS Castillo is going to be very, very difficult to move this offseason. But maybe not impossible. The problem is the Mets would have to take on a headache to rid themselves of a headache. To that end, The Post has learned that the Mets and Royals had discussions in July about swapping expensive malcontent outfielder Jose Guillen for Castillo. An executive who was aware of those talks said he thought it was possible the clubs could revisit negotiations this offseason. Guillen is owed $24 million for the next two seasons; Castillo $18 million for the next three. So the Royals essentially would be adding $6 million of maneuverability for the next two years, save $6 million overall, but add ..."

Royals' GM Moore has had enough

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October 5

Kansas City Star

"Royals GM Dayton Moore says things are going to change around here. Of course, everyone has been scrambling to figure out what he means by that. Does this mean the Royals make some major deals this offseason? Will they sign another high-priced free agent or two? Will they dump some players who have underperformed? Maybe. Maybe not. But none of those gets to the main point. Moore's main point is this: Things are going to change around here. He's had enough. "That's it," he says. "We're at a point now where you will never, ever hear me say again that we have young players who are improving. You will never, ever hear me say again that we are rebuilding. That stuff is over. I'm sick of all ..."

Moore’s vow to shake things up means Royals face a busy offseason

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September 28

Kansas City Star

"The Royals all got the message loud and clear from general manager Dayton Moore: Change is coming. There was Moore’s public pronouncement Sept. 2 in The Star. And there was the more private meeting, shortly thereafter, in which he bluntly informed the players that (a) he was coming back; (b) manager Trey Hillman was coming back; and (c) not all of them were coming back. It might not be a coincidence that the Royals will complete their best month in years this afternoon when they conclude the 2008 season against the Minnesota Twins at the Metrodome. “We should have been playing this way all year long,” pitcher Zack Greinke said. “We’ve just underachieved. I guess by the end of the year, the ..."

Moore promises changes as Royals enter another meaningless September

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September 2

Kansas City Star

"It's September and, once again, the Royals are light-years from playing meaningful games. So what now? General manager Dayton Moore is as mad as anyone. That was evident last weekend as he sat in the dugout at Comerica Park in Detroit, lips drawn tight, while watching his club work its way through batting practice. Moore is vowing major roster changes before the club gathers next February for spring training in Surprise, Ariz. "I've made up my mind on this team," he said. "I've got a pretty good idea on where we need to go and what we need to do. I've been watching this team for two years now. It's the same (core) group of guys." In short, Moore has seen enough. The current mix of players ..."

Royals' personnel moves

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September 1

Kansas City Star

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"It will be a more-crowded clubhouse Tuesday when the Royals open a three-game series against Oakland at Kauffman Stadium. Hillman has already indicated the club plans to add four to six players once the rules permit rosters to expand. The Royals took the first preliminary moves Sunday by recalling left-handed pitchers Jimmy Gobble and John Bale from their minor-league rehab assignments. That decision is a likely precursor to adding both to the active roster before Tuesday's game. Lefty reliever Ron Mahay should also be activated Tuesday after experiencing no problems Sunday with his sore left foot in a bullpen workout. First baseman Ryan Shealy is also expected to be recalled. Other top ..."

Mahay set to return

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August 31

Kansas City Star

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"Reliever Ron Mahay will subject his sore left foot to another bullpen workout today and, if all goes well, should return Tuesday to active duty. "I'm feeling good," he said. "I'm doing all of the precautions: Icing, stretching. With that, I think I'll be able to get by until the end of the season. I'll take the next step after that if I still have it." The injury - plantar fasciitis - causes pain to the heel and bottom of the foot. It is caused, typically, by a pitcher exerting pressure on his toes and arching his foot as he pushes off the rubber. Mahay has pitched only once since Aug. 6, an 18-pitch outing Aug. 15 against the Yankees in New York. He wasn't placed on the disabled list ..."

Holt's Melville hopes to sign deal with Kansas City soon

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August 14

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Much as he has done all summer, Tim Melville waits. Selected by the Kansas City Royals in the fourth round of the baseball draft in June, Melville, a hard-throwing righthander from Holt High in Wentzville, had his patience tested as negotiations progressed slowly this summer. But with the signing deadline set for 11 p.m. Friday, Melville is confident his professional baseball career will begin shortly. "I'm ready to start playing again,'' the 18-year-old said. "It's been a little frustrating, but it's a complicated process. The last thing I heard from my adviser was that the contract had been sent to the commissioner's office. Once it's approved, they'll return it to me to sign and then I ..."

Grudzielanek's injury leaves questions

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August 10

MLB.com

"Who's on second? That question will continue to be on the frontburner over the next several weeks as the Royals head down the stretch without veteran Mark Grudzielanek. The 38-year-old, who will be a free agent after this season, is expected to be sidelined four to six weeks because of a right ankle injury -- leaving Kansas City in evaluation mode as it ponders the second-base situation for 2009. Esteban German got the start at second Saturday, and manager Trey Hillman has the option of moving Mike Aviles to second and using Tony Pena Jr. at shortstop. Also in the second-base picture is Jason Smith and possibly Alberto Callaspo, who has been on the disabled list since June 28 but is ..."

Mahay waits out trade deadline

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July 31

Kansas City Star

"Veteran reliever Ron Mahay seems to go through this every year as the trading deadline approaches. Once again, he finds his name swirling through the rumor mill. Will the phone ring or not before the 3 p.m. deadline for non-waiver deals? "It's just speculation until it actually happens," Mahay said. "It's all talk right now. They have my phone number. I'm going to spend the day with my family and honestly hope it doesn't ring. I don't want to go anywhere." The Phillies continue to show interest in Mahay, although both clubs have spiked rumors of a deal for minor-league infielder Jason Donald. Another rumor links Mahay to the Red Sox for outfielder/first baseman Brandon Moss. "As far as I ..."

Relationship with Hillman in tatters, Guillen wants out of K.C.

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July 29

ESPN.com

"Left fielder Jose Guillen wants out of Kansas City pronto, according to a source who spoke to ESPNdeportes.com on condition of anonymity. Guillen feels the Royals have not kept the promises made when he signed for three years and $36 million during the offseason, said the source. But the main reason he is in "living hell in Kansas City" is a foul relationship with manager Trey Hillman. "Guillen and Hillman are not on speaking terms, they don't talk," said the source. "Guillen is definitely not happy, he's not comfortable and he would do anything he can in economic terms to ease his way out of Kansas City." When Guillen signed with Kansas City he knew the team wouldn't be a contender in ..."

Gillick still shopping to find left-handed help for bullpen

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July 29

Camden Courier-Post

"Manny Ramirez to the Phillies? Don't count on it. But with the clock ticking to Thursday's 4 p.m. nonwaiver trade deadline, general manager Pat Gillick reiterated Monday that he's still hopeful of acquiring a left-handed reliever to give lone lefty J.C. Romero "some breathing room" in the Phillies bullpen. "Hopefully, we can do that," Gillick said. "All I can say is we're talking, and as long as we continue to talk, there's always a possibility something will transpire." And there's also a possibility something may happen after Thursday. If the Phillies are unable to work a deal for Colorado's Brian Fuentes, Kansas City's Ron Mahay, Pittsburgh's John Grabow, Baltimore's George Sherrill or ..."

Catching is priority as deadline nears

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July 28

Miami Herald

"Everything points to the Marlins intensifying their search to add a catcher for the stretch run, because Matt Treanor, who has been on the disabled list since July 8 with a strained left hip, is not ready to return. Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said before Sunday's game that Treanor is scheduled to see a specialist Monday in Philadelphia. That news, combined with the fact that the nonwaiver trade deadline is rapidly approaching, means the Marlins will try to pull off a trade this week. With 57 games left, the Marlins want to make sure they have more behind the plate than John Baker and Paul Hoover. The Marlins have talked to teams about catchers, and some of the names that have been ..."

Matt Treanor's setback means Marlins may make move to get a catcher

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July 28

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"The Marlins' need for more catching help before Thursday's trade deadline might have become more acute with a recent setback for Matt Treanor. Out since July 8 with a strained left hip, Treanor will visit Dr. William Meyers, a groin-injury specialist, today in Philadelphia. It was Meyers who diagnosed Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb with a sports hernia in 2005. That surgery ended McNabb's season, which could be a possibility for Treanor if surgery is needed. "We'll see how it goes," Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "He tried to play through it, but he aggravated it in San Diego." Treanor had been catching bullpen sessions at home in hopes of expediting his return, but the ..."

Royals Trade Rumors