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• Royals’ GM Moore: Yost “least of our problems”

  24 days ago by JonPaulMorosi

  The Kansas City Royals were a trendy pick to be one of baseball’s surprise teams this year. For a while, that was the case: With a May 1 win over Tampa Bay, Kansas City moved into the American League Central lead.

  Since then, the Royals are 6-14 – tied with Houston for the AL’s second-worst record during that span.

  Despite the three-week skid, Royals general manager Dayton Moore has not made major changes to his team, other than sending reliever Kelvin Herrera to Triple-A Omaha this week. Alcides Escobar (.202), Chris Getz (.188), Jeff Francoeur (.161) and Mike Moustakas (.149) have remained in the everyday lineup despite dismal May batting averages.

  And Moore has no plans to change managers, telling FOXSports.com Friday that Ned Yost has done a “great” job this year and has only gotten better since taking the position in May 2010.

  Moore spoke glowingly of Yost’s leadership and steadiness with young players during a telephone interview and added, “He’s the least of our problems.”

  One source indicates that owners David Glass and Dan Glass have given Moore a high degree of autonomy over major team decisions, including Yost’s future. So, at least for now, Yost has good job security.

  The Royals have suffered a relatively low number of significant injuries this year, but Moore expressed hope that Jarrod Dyson can spark the lineup once he returns from a sprained right ankle. The Royals are last in the AL with 28 home runs, and Dyson’s speed had become a valuable commodity.

  Dyson has an .847 OPS in 18 games this year. Kansas City is just 1-7 since Dyson’s most recent game.

  -- Jon Paul Morosi

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• James Shields and B.J. Upton: A glove story

  March 10, 2013 by KenRosenthal

   

  ORLANDO – When I visited the Kansas City Royals’ camp last month, right-hander James Shields surprised me by pulling a glove out of his locker that had the inscription, “Bossman Jr.”

  Bossman Jr.? That’s B.J. Upton’s nickname (Upton’s father, Manny, is Bossman). What the heck was Shields’ doing with Upton’s glove?

  “I break in all his gloves for him,” Shields said, smiling. “I texted him the other day: ‘What are you going to do without me?’”

  The glove story dates back to when Shields and Upton were minor leaguers with the Tampa Bay Rays. Shields, 31, and Upton, 28, both were drafted by the Rays, and played together at Double A and Triple A.

  Now, for the first time, they are in different organizations.

  Upton signed a five-year, $75.25 million free-agent contract with the Atlanta Braves on Nov. 29, and the Rays traded Shields to the Royals 10 days later.

  “Every year when I came in, I would take my gloves out of my lockers and give them straight to him,” Upton recalled. “He would give them back to me a week before the season started. I kind of miss him right now.”

  Shields joked that he had an ulterior motive for taking such good care of Upton’s gloves, saying, “That way, I knew he was going to catch it.”

  As for the glove in his locker, Shields said he had kept one of Upton’s discards to use as his “shagging glove” with the Royals.

  “We went golfing this off-season,” Shields said. “He was like, ‘What am I going to do without you? I’m going to have send gloves to your clubhouse so you can break ‘em in.’ I said, ‘I’ll break ‘em in after the second road trip of the year when I face you.’”

  It’s true: The Braves host the Royals on April 16-17.

  -Ken Rosenthal

   

   

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• Latest on pitching market from GM meetings

  November 07, 2012 by JonPaulMorosi

  Notes and analysis on the market for starting pitchers, near the end of Day 1 at the general managers’ meetings in Indian Wells, Calif.:

  — Free agent Anibal Sanchez is in a “favorable position” within the marketplace, according to one club official. Sanchez may not reach the $100 million mark, but multiple people within the industry believe he’s headed for a deal similar to the one C.J. Wilson signed last offseason: five years, $77.5 million.

  Sanchez, only 28, has a chance to break the $80 million mark, for a number of reasons: He pitched well during the 2012 postseason, he proved that he can succeed in the American League, and the right teams – the Dodgers, Rangers, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Tigers – are interested.

  — Because Sanchez’s value point is more defined, it won’t be a surprise if he signs before Zack Greinke, who is viewed as the top free-agent starter.

  — In some respects, the free-agent market won’t open in earnest until the Tampa Bay Rays trade a starting pitcher, like Jeremy Hellickson or James Shields. Clubs may prefer to work out a trade with the Rays – for a lower-salaried player – rather than invest tens of millions in Greinke, Sanchez or Kyle Lohse.

  — Dan Haren, a free agent after the Angels declined his option, could be a secondary choice for teams that whiff on Greinke and Sanchez. Haren is coming off a disappointing season in which he showed diminished stuff, but the need for pitching is such that it won’t be a surprise if he signs a two-year contract. The Padres are an intriguing possibility; Haren, a native of Southern California, knows San Diego executives Josh Byrnes and A.J. Hinch from their time together in Arizona.

  — Missouri resident Shaun Marcum, a free agent, has interest in pitching for the St. Louis Cardinals or Kansas City Royals, a source said.

  — Twins general manager Terry Ryan is looking for multiple starting pitchers. The organizational depth chart at the position is exceedingly thin.

  — Jon Paul Morosi

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• Sources: Royals willing to move Broxton

  July 05, 2012 by JonPaulMorosi

  The Kansas City Royals have signaled to teams that they are willing to move closer Jonathan Broxton, major league sources told FOXSports.com.

  The Royals entered Thursday with deficit of 7-1/2 games in the American League Central and 0.4 percent chance of reaching the playoffs, according to the most recent Baseball Prospectus postseason odds calculation. Thus, the Royals are viewed as a likely seller at this month’s non-waiver trade deadline.

  Broxton, with a 2.05 ERA and 20 saves, is one of the team’s most marketable commodities. In Kelvin Herrera and Aaron Crow, the Royals have two options to close if and when Broxton is traded. Next year, the organization hopes Joakim Soria will be back after arm surgery.

  Broxton, in many ways, is the ideal deadline pickup for teams in need of bullpen help. He earns a reasonable salary — roughly $2 million for the rest of this year, along with up to $1 million in performance bonuses — and has postseason experience with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He’s eligible for free agency after this season.

  The New York Mets, who entered Thursday with the worst bullpen ERA in the majors, are one potential suitor for Broxton.

  — Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal

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• Royals sending mixed signals on Francoeur

  June 23, 2012 by JonPaulMorosi

  The Kansas City Royals' willingness to trade Jeff Francoeur has waxed and waned in recent weeks, according to major league sources.

  "Back and forth, every other week," said an official with another club.

  Francoeur's status will be of particular interest once the Boston Red Sox trade Kevin Youkilis. Four teams — the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Dodgers — were known to have interest in Youkilis as of Saturday. Clubs in need of right-handed hitting could turn to Francoeur after Youkilis is off the board.

  It might be difficult for the Royals to move Francoeur in the immediate future, because they opened Saturday only 5-1/2 games out in the American League Central. But the apparent readiness of stud hitting prospect Wil Myers could push Francoeur to the trading block closer to the July 31 nonwaiver trade deadline.

  Francoeur is an elite defender in right field and has World Series experience, having joined the Texas Rangers before their 2010 postseason run. He's known for leadership and an ability to hit left-handed pitching.

  Francoeur is more available than Royals designated hitter Billy Butler, who is on a longer-term contract. One source said Kansas City general manager Dayton Moore would need to receive a "(Zack) Greinke-type" offer in order to move Butler.

  — Jon Paul Morosi

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• What the Royals are getting from the Astros

  March 20, 2012 by KenRosenthal

  No team can easily withstand the loss of its closer and starting catcher, and a low-revenue club such as the Kansas City Royals is even more challenged when injuries strike at those positions.

  The Royals do not expect to find a replacement for closer Joakim Soria, but they addressed their catching void and added outfield depth Tuesday, acquiring catcher Humberto Quintero and outfielder Jason Bourgeois from the Houston Astros.

  The two veterans cost the Royals minor-league left-hander Kevin Chapman and a player to be named. Quintero, 32, will be a part-time replacement for injured catcher Salvador Perez. Bourgeois, 30, is a right-handed hitter who plays all three outfield positions and even second base.

  Perez, recovering from surgery on his left knee, is expected to be out until at least June 15. Quintero will share time with Brayan Pena, each possibly playing two to four times a week. Pena is a switch-hitter. Quintero is a better defender, but offensively challenged, his career OPS is only .589.

  Bourgeois, meanwhile, helps balance the Royals’ bench; the team’s other two reserve outfielders, Jarrod Dyson and Mitch Maier, both are left-handed hitters. In 109 plate appearances last season against left-handed pitching, Bourgeois had a .925 OPS. He also stole 31 bases in 37 attempts.

  The Royals’ loss of Soria, who likely will require a second Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, did not create an urgent need. Right-handers Jonathon Broxton and Greg Holland will work the late innings, while righty Aaron Crow, who had been working as a starter, will return to the bullpen to increase manager Ned Yost’s options.

  — Ken Rosenthal

   

   

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• Sources: Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs pursuing Buehrle

  November 16, 2011 by JonPaulMorosi

  As recently as spring training, Mark Buehrle spoke publicly about the possibility of retirement after the 2011 season. That’s not going to happen. In fact, it’s possible that the free-agent left-hander will sign a contract that rivals the four-year, $56 million deal he signed in 2007.

  Buehrle is young enough to justifiably ask for a deal of that length. He will be 33 at the start of next season — the same age as Cliff Lee, who has four years left on his contract with the Phillies.

  Buehrle isn’t all that much older than fellow free-agent C.J. Wilson, who turns 31 this week, and both lefties are in high demand. Chicago Cubs officials met with Buehrle’s agent on Tuesday — the second time they had done so.

  The Yankees and Red Sox, both in dire need of pitching upgrades, are pursuing Buehrle, sources say. Other interested clubs include the White Sox, Blue Jays, Royals, Angels, Marlins, Nationals and Diamondbacks.

  — Jon Paul Morosi

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• Source: Phillies, Royals discussing Melky Cabrera

  July 20, 2011 by JonPaulMorosi

  The Phillies are among the most serious suitors for Carlos Beltran, as our Ken Rosenthal reported Tuesday.

  They are also among the most serious suitors for Carlos Beltran Lite.

  Philadelphia officials have spoken with the Royals about acquiring Melky Cabrera, a fellow switch-hitting outfielder whose 2011 numbers aren’t too far behind Beltran’s. Cabrera entered Wednesday with a .793 OPS, compared to .911 for Beltran.

  The conversations between the Phillies and Royals are serious enough that names have been exchanged, according to a major-league source, but no deal for Cabrera was close as of early Wednesday evening.

  The Royals have two veteran outfielders garnering interest leading up to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline: Cabrera and Jeff Francoeur. It’s doubtful that Kansas City general manager Dayton Moore will move both Cabrera and Francoeur, since doing so would leave too many openings in next year’s outfield. But either one could be dealt if Moore is offered a compelling prospect package.

  Cabrera, in particular, has a favorable contract. He is under club control for next season and will receive a raise on this year’s $1.25 million salary.

  The Royals have already made one trade this week, shipping infielder Wilson Betemit to Detroit for two minor leaguers, left-hander Antonio Cruz and catcher Julio Rodriguez.

  -- Jon Paul Morosi

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• Betemit could be first Royal traded; Cabrera next?

  July 16, 2011 by JonPaulMorosi

  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.

  

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  Betemit’s playing time has decreased sharply since star prospect Mike Moustakas became the Royals’ everyday third baseman. But Betemit batted .306 during April and May, when he was playing more regularly.

  Since Betemit will become a free agent after this season – and because Moustakas and Eric Hosmer are anchored at the infield corners – Royals general manager Dayton Moore is willing to move Betemit in the right deal, sources say. With Casey McGehee mired in a season-long slump, Milwaukee appears to be the most interested suitor.

  An even greater number of teams are interested in the Royals’ veteran outfielders, Melky Cabrera and Jeff Francoeur, but there is no great urgency for Moore to trade either. Cabrera isn’t scheduled to become a free agent until after next year, and the Royals hold a mutual option on Francoeur’s services for 2012.

  The Royals are more apt to keep Francoeur, because of the positive effect he’s had on their younger position players.

  The Phillies and Angels are among the teams that have shown interest in Cabrera, although he is only one of many hitters under consideration by each club.

  Cabrera could fill the Angels’ need for a left-handed hitter. A switch hitter, his numbers are better against right-handed pitching.

  The Giants have light interest in Cabrera, sources say, and are more intrigued by Beltran.

  — Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal

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• The value of Betemit

  May 31, 2011 by FOXSports

  Quick, guess which player ranks third in OPS among AL third baseman, behind only Kevin Youkilis and Alex Rodriguez.

  Why, it’s Wilson Betemit, of course!

  No team but the Royals offered Betemit even a minor-league contract after the White Sox declined to re-sign him as a free agent in 2009.

  But here’s Betemit, 29, batting .311/.377/.437, transforming himself into either part of the Royals’ future or a valuable trade chip.

  The Marlins are among the teams tracking Betemit, whose position is threatened by top prospect Mike Moustakas.

  The Royals, though, don’t necessarily need to trade Betemit, a switch-hitter who would offer the team versatility and protection against injury in the future.

  As one club official puts it, “It’s hard to win championships without guys like Wilson Betemit.”

  Royals general manager Dayton Moore has known Betemit since the player was 15. For the right price, the Royals might be inclined to continue the relationship going forward.

  -- Ken Rosenthal

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• Extra-inning games on rise

  May 29, 2011 by KenRosenthal

  If you think you’re seeing more baseball this season, you’re right.

  Through May 28, major league teams had played 94 extra-innings games, the most all-time on that date, according to STATS LLC.

  True, the season started earlier than usual. But the previous high for extra-inning games on May 28 was a mere 79. And the number on May 28 last season was only 64.

  The reduced scoring is one possible explanation for the sharp increase in the number of extra-inning games.

  Three teams — the Royals, Angels and Athletics — already have played 12 extra-inning games, nearly one-fourth of their overall totals.

  Five of the Royals’ past 10 games have gone extra innings. So have seven of the Braves’ past 16.

  Two teams — the Cubs and Tigers — have played only two extra-inning games.

  — Ken Rosenthal

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• Mike Maroth, who lost 20 games but kept dignity, retires

  January 26, 2011 by JonPaulMorosi

  Perhaps more than anyone else, Mike Maroth embodied the Detroit Tigers’ three-year turnaround from last-place laughingstock to pennant winner.

  In 2003, he became the only major leaguer in the last three decades to lose 20 or more games in a season. In 2006, his robust April and May helped to position the Tigers for their first World Series appearance in a generation.

  

  CAN’T TOUCH THIS

  Records are made to be broken.
  But not these.

  Then bone chips in his left elbow forced him from a start at Kansas City. As it turned out, the southpaw’s career never was quite the same. Four years and multiple surgeries removed from his most recent appearance in the majors, Maroth told FOXSports.com on Tuesday that he has decided to retire.

  “I gave it everything I had,” the 33-year-old said from his Florida home. “I feel confident that I’m making the right decision. I’d love to keep playing, but I realize that I don’t have it in me. I have no regrets. I put forth all of the effort possible to continue to play, but I believe my body just can’t do it anymore.

  “I’ve given myself every opportunity to come back. It’s just to a point where it’s time to move on.”

  Maroth owned a 50-67 record and 5.05 ERA in 161 games (150 starts). His final appearance in the majors came with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2007, but he spent almost his entire big-league career with the Tigers. He relied on a fastball that rarely averaged more than 85 miles per hour, which made his achievements (including a one-hit victory over the Yankees in 2004) all the more noteworthy.

  For more, visit FOX Sports Detroit.

  — Jon Paul Morosi

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• Free agent Bannister headed to Japan

  January 06, 2011 by KenRosenthal

  Free-agent RHP Brian Bannister headed to Japan, according to a source.

  Bannister has agreed with the Tokyo Giants on a one-year deal plus a club option.

  Last season with the Kansas City Royals, Bannister, who is represented by Terry Bross, had a 7-12 record with a 6.34 ERA in 23 games.

  It was a rough season for Bannister. He missed five weeks with tendinitis in his pitching shoulder and then was shifted to the bullpen.

  — Ken Rosenthal

   

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• After Greinke deal, Pavano-Twins reunion more likely

  December 19, 2010 by JonPaulMorosi

  Sunday’s trade of Zack Greinke to the Milwaukee Brewers makes it more likely than ever that Carl Pavano will re-sign with the Minnesota Twins.
  
  The Brewers had been in contact recently with Pavano’s agent, Tom O’Connell, but the Greinke trade satisfied their need for a top-of-the-rotation starter.
  
  Meanwhile, sources say the Texas Rangers and Washington Nationals – who had attempted to acquire Greinke – haven’t seriously pursued Pavano. (It’s possible they will change their approach and bid on Pavano now that Greinke is off the board.)
  
  The Twins have a desperate need for rotation help. Their lack of an ace was evident in their first-round playoff exit, and starters Nick Blackburn and Scott Baker underwent off-season elbow surgeries.
  
  Pavano, 34, led the Twins with 17 victories this year, while maintaining a 3.75 ERA over 221 innings.

  — Jon Paul Morosi

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• Details on Greinke’s no-trade clause

  December 16, 2010 by JonPaulMorosi

  Zack Greinke's no-trade clause allows him to block trades to 15 teams. That list includes the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals, according to a major league source.
  
  However, Greinke could be traded to the Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels or Detroit Tigers without his permission.
  
  The Kansas City Royals are open to moving Greinke, who has two years and a total of $27 million left on his current contract.

  The Nationals would like to trade for a starting pitcher and have shown interest in both Greinke and Tampa Bay’s Matt Garza.

  — Jon Paul Morosi

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