MLB

FOX Sports Exclusive

Source: Royals willing to trade non-core players

Share This Story

Jon Paul Morosi

Jon Paul Morosi is a national MLB writer for FOXSports.com. He previously covered baseball for the Detroit Free Press and Seattle Post-Intelligencer. He began his journalism career at the Bay City Times in his native Michigan. Follow him on Twitter.

MORE>>
 
Updated Jun 25, 2009 6:17 PM ET
     
 
Royals general manager Dayton Moore loathes the word "rebuilding." He's not necessarily ready to concede the 2009 season, even though his team is 31-40. But a person with knowledge of the team's plans said Moore will be open-minded to trade possibilities — if they bring talent and/or salary relief that would benefit the team in 2010 and beyond. In that respect, his approach to this year's trade deadline is similar to that of Cleveland GM Mark Shapiro, a competitor in the American League Central. As a rival AL executive put it on Thursday: "Kansas City will talk about anyone outside their core players." Generally speaking, Kansas City's core includes power right-handers Zack Greinke and Gil Meche, closer Joakim Soria, third baseman Alex Gordon and first baseman Billy Butler. (The Royals hope Gordon, who hasn't played since April 15 after undergoing hip surgery, will be back after the All-Star break.) After this season, Meche will have two years and $24 million left on his original five-year deal. While the Royals could save money by dealing him to a wealthy club, it's doubtful that they will move him. Almost every scenario involving a near-term contender in Kansas City includes a rotation headlined by Greinke and Meche. But with so many teams looking for offense, widespread interest could develop in players like outfielder David DeJesus and super-utility man Mark Teahen. Teahen has already started drawing inquiries from teams, a major-league source told FOXSports.com. He's earning $3.575 million this year and isn't scheduled to become a free agent until after the 2011 season. Once Gordon returns, Teahen will become more expendable, particularly when considering how well Alberto Callaspo has played at second base. Teahen's selling points are defensive versatility and power potential. Teahen has been the Royals' primary third baseman since Gordon was placed on the disabled list, but he has started at least a handful of games at every position except catcher and shortstop. His .438 slugging percentage entering Thursday is the second-highest of his big-league career. DeJesus is having a down year, batting .246 with five home runs, but he has been a steady left-handed hitter in the past. A good defender in left field, he could flourish offensively if given the opportunity to hit in a more dynamic lineup. He has a relatively affordable contract: $3.6 million this year, $4.7 million next year, and a $6 million team option ($500,000 buyout) in 2011. A market could also develop for designated hitter Mike Jacobs, but he's a fairly one-dimensional player. He has home run power (32 last year, 10 this year) but strikes out often and isn't a good defender at first base. He's earning $3.275 million this year. The Royals' farm system is thin on position players in the upper minors, so they would love to restock with up-the-middle talent, especially at center field, shortstop and catcher. Shortstop Mike Aviles, a revelation last year, is on the disabled list with elbow trouble, and the team has grown concerned about whether he will be able to return this season. Center fielder Coco Crisp, who underwent shoulder surgery on Wednesday, has already been lost for the year.
Tagged: Billy Butler, Alex Gordon, Alberto Callaspo, Royals, David DeJesus, Coco Crisp, Joakim Soria, Mike Aviles, Zack Greinke, Mark Teahen

More Stories From Jon Paul Morosi

FOX Fantasy Baseball Game 2012


Trending Now

Stories | Photos | Lists | Videos

MLB Videos

Morosi: Stick with your friends Josh Posted: Feb 03, 2012
Jon Paul Morosi says why Josh Hamilton now belongs in Texas more than ever.

Hamilton suffers setback Posted: Feb 03, 2012
Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton discusses a recent setback in his battle with addi...

Tigers primed for Prince Posted: Jan 26, 2012
Prince Fielder talks about signing with the Tigers. Plus, hear from GM Dave Domb...

MORE FOXSPORTS VIDEO »
SimLeague Baseball - Simulation Baseball Game

Fox Sports Store

    itemName itemURL imageSrc price itemDescription
    Nike Chicago Cubs Tackle Twill Hoodie Sweatshirt - Royal Blue http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Chicago_Cubs/browse/featuredproduct/250780/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_250000/FF_250780_xl.jpg&w=100 49.95 Nike Chicago Cubs Tackle Twill Hoodie Sweatshirt - Royal Blue
    Nike Boston Red Sox Ladies Red Local T-shirt http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Boston_Red_Sox/browse/featuredproduct/605356/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_605000/ff_605356_xl.jpg&w=100 19.95 Nike Boston Red Sox Ladies Red Local T-shirt
    New Era New York Yankees Youth Navy Blue Tie Breaker 39THIRTY Stretch Fit Hat http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_New_York_Yankees/browse/featuredproduct/605557/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_605000/ff_605557_xl.jpg&w=100 16.95 New Era New York Yankees Youth Navy Blue Tie Breaker 39THIRTY Stretch Fit Hat
    Nike Oakland Athletics Green MLB Practice T-shirt http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Oakland_Athletics/browse/featuredproduct/606322/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_606000/ff_606322_xl.jpg&w=100 27.95 Nike Oakland Athletics Green MLB Practice T-shirt
    Philadelphia Phillies Mascot Pillow Pet http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Philadelphia_Phillies/browse/featuredproduct/626447/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_626000/ff_626447_xl.jpg&w=100 29.95 Philadelphia Phillies Mascot Pillow Pet
    New Era Colorado Rockies Black-Purple Stoked Snapback Hat http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Colorado_Rockies/browse/featuredproduct/644117/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_644000/ff_644117_xl.jpg&w=100 28.95 New Era Colorado Rockies Black-Purple Stoked Snapback Hat
    Texas Rangers Manager Stainless Steel Watch http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Texas_Rangers/browse/featuredproduct/722692/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_722000/ff_722692_xl.jpg&w=100 69.95 Texas Rangers Manager Stainless Steel Watch
    Majestic Justin Verlander Detroit Tigers #35 Youth Navy Blue Player Pullover Hoodie Sweatshirt http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Detroit_Tigers/browse/featuredproduct/723016/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_723000/ff_723016_xl.jpg&w=100 39.95 Majestic Justin Verlander Detroit Tigers #35 Youth Navy Blue Player Pullover Hoo..
    Majestic Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Replica Jersey - White http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Los_Angeles_Angels_of_Anaheim/browse/featuredproduct/777026/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_777000/ff_777026_xl.jpg&w=100 99.95 Majestic Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Replica Jersey - White
Microsoft© 2012 Microsoft