Word around the baseball world is that the Royals have had discussions, though it's not clear how thorough they've been, with the Texas Rangers involving a trade for five-time all-star Michael Young. A right handed hitter, Young, 32, has the ability to play both shortstop and second base at a high level. Oh yeah, he can hit too. He carries a .300 lifetime average in eight full major league seasons with 115 home runs and 69 stolen bases and a career .346 OBP. It's not clear who the Royals would have offered in the deal, though Jose Guillen would be a likely candidate.
Also on the radar: Joe Nelson. The Royals are in search of more right-handed relief and word is Nelson could get more than $1M from his former club. There are rumored to be at least 16 teams - including the relief-strapped Cardinals - inquiring on Nelson however, so the Royals could be near the bottom of his wish list.
Also on the radar: Joe Nelson. The Royals are in search of more right-handed relief and word is Nelson could get more than $1M from his former club. There are rumored to be at least 16 teams - including the relief-strapped Cardinals - inquiring on Nelson however, so the Royals could be near the bottom of his wish list.
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Another nice thought. But again, it would be dependant on us unloading somebody big, wouldn't it? A Grienke or a Guillen.
I wonder if we tend to undervalue Callaspo. I liked the way he performed when called upon in 08, in spite of the beleaguered personal life. I'd have no problem at all if he took second or shortstop full time. Tell me what I'm not thinking of here.
Callaspo isn't a bad option, but remember scouts don't believe his range is good enough to play shortstop and, at best unfortunately, is suspect at second base. He definitely is a below average runner for a player of his stature and position. He doesn't get to balls hit deep in the hole the way some players do. That's what baffles scouts about Mike Aviles. He's not quick (though he does have much more burst than Callaspo) but it doesn't affect his range the way they thought it would. I think that would be the major knock on Callaspo. Good hitter though.
Ah. Well, maybe I OVERvauluate the guy. I see your reasoning, though. Exactly what I was looking for to bring me back to earth.
What's happing with Tony Pena Jr., anyway? I know he doesn't have a place on the roster, but is he even trade bait? Maybe we should put him in the bullpen? Remember that weird, lights-out appearance he made against (I think) the White Sox?
Man, I miss baseball.
Right now, I don't think there's much value for TPJ considering the horrid year he had at the plate last year. My guess is that they allow him to compete for the same roll he had last season in an attempt to re-establish himself at the dish. If he could get closer to the TPJ that hit .280 when he first arrived after the trade then he would suddenly push Aviles to second and he would regain the ss roll. (Assuming the Royals don't swing a deal for another ss in the meantime.) It's more likely Pena Jr. is something between the two different hitters we saw in '07-08. I think when it's said and done he'll fall in the area of a career .230 hitter, which isn't what Moore is looking for from his regular starter at that position. You have a great point with the whole pitching thing. He may want to job shadow Soria while he's on the bench this year.
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