Breaking 100: Trading Up

Now that the dust has settled a bit after the non-waiver trade deadline, it’s time to evaluate how the Royals have done.

Here’s a look at the players that have left the Royals organization:
• JP Howell, LHP – some called Howell the Royals’ most promising pitching prospect. Struggled during his short time in KC.
• Ruben Gotay, 2B – another promising prospect who struggled in KC, and hasn’t quite recovered since.
• Mike MacDougal, RHP – this guy can pitch, when healthy. Showed great promise in 2003, but injuries and illness have held him back since.
• Elmer Dessens, RHP – aging reliever who provided some veteran presence in the bullpen this year.
• Tony Graffanino, IF – competent utility infielder who split time with Esteban German. Decent hitter, but not a cornerstone of any team.
• Matt Stairs, DH – power lefty who provided nothing more than an additional HR in the Royals’ losses. Good veteran guy, but not a part of the future.
• Jeremy Affeldt, LHP – another promising pitcher who could never come through. I thought Affeldt was the real deal a few years ago, but his injuries and ineffectiveness grew tiring.
• Denny Bautista, RHP – Bautista had such sizzling stuff in spring training, everybody was gushing about how great he could be. Spent much of 2006 struggling in Omaha.

In my opinion, none of these players will play a major role in the future of the Royals, and most were struggling guys who were mired in mediocrity.

Now let’s look at who the Royals have acquired since Moore took over:
• Daniel Cortes, RHP
• Jorge de la Rosa, LHP
• Jose Diaz, RHP
• Scott Dohmann, RHP
• Brandon Duckworth, RHP
• Blake Johnson, RHP
• Tyler Lumsden, LHP
• Odalis Perez, LHP
• Julio Pimentel, RHP
• Todd Wellemeyer, RHP
• Fernando Cortez, IF
• Jeff Keppinger, IF
• Joey Gathright, CF
• Ryan Shealy, 1B/DH

Look at the first 10 players on this list. Pitchers. The Royals have been pitching-poor for years, and Moore’s first priority was to bolster the pitching ranks throughout the system. These pitchers are sprinkled throughout the organization – from High A to KC – to help not only today’s Royals, but the Royals of the future.

Jorge de la Rosa has already won a start. Brandon Duckworth provided some starts and has moved to the bullpen. Odalis Perez gets his first start tonight against the White Sox. Scott Dohmann reported to the right field bullpen at Kauffman Stadium last night.

If only 2 of the 10 pitchers pan out, Moore still should be considered a success.

Another area of concern for Moore was first base. Justin Huber had been tagged as the first baseman of the future, but after spending a few weeks rotting on the Royals bench, he was sent back to Omaha and moved to the outfield. Moore got his guy in the Affeldt deal – Ryan Shealy.

Moore has begun putting his stamp on his team. What is most encouraging to me is that, at least to me, it seems that Moore is trading on his terms. Former GM Allard Baird always seemed to be dealing in desperation. When he “needed” to get rid of Jermaine Dye, he got Neifi Perez. When he “needed” to get rid of Johnny Damon, he got Roberto Hernandez. It doesn’t feel like Moore will make those kinds of mistakes.

While the non-waiver trade deadline has passed, that doesn’t mean that the trades will cease. I believe Moore will continue to deal until August 31. Let’s hope this trend continues.