Reactions To The Royals Trading Zack Greinke To The Brewers

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Zack Greinke Traded To Brewers: Reactions To The Royals Move

The Kansas City Royals did what we all knew they had to do -- trade Zack Greinke. GM Dayton Moore shipped him off to the Milwaukee Brewers and the reaction has been mixed. Some wanted a superstar in return while Moore says he got the type of guys he wanted in the deal.

There's much to discuss with the Greinke trade. Here's what people are saying:

Royals trade Greinke to Brewers - KansasCity.com
"This is what I call a ‘now’ trade," Brewers general manager Doug Melvin told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "It was a costly trade. We gave up a lot of good, young players."

Without Greinke, we’re Royal blue - KansasCity.com
Remember when Mike Sweeney went through this? He took less than market value to try to win in Kansas City, a noble move that quickly backfired into back injuries and 100-loss seasons and made him the No. 1 target of Royals fan anger. Greinke did the opposite. He signed an extension two years ago, yes, but within the last year began to make it clear he wanted out. His social anxiety issues will always be part of the discussion, but he could have done more to help his teammates.

Bluebird Links and Greinke Reaction - Bluebird Banter
I think the Jays got a pretty good haul for Halladay considering that AA's back was against the wall, but I'm not really that impressed with the group that Greinke got KC. Also, I'm not sure what the hurry was. Was this really the only offer out there? Were teams like the Yankees, Angels, Rangers, Nationals and Jays not interested at all? Why not sit on this deal for a few weeks and try to drive up other teams prices?

Trading aces: The good and bad of dealing Greinke | The Star's Blog on the Royals and Baseball
"To deal Zack Greinke in 2008, or in that offseason, it was sort of like stabbing in the dark," Moore said. "Because you just don’t know what you have in your system… "We now have a very realistic view of the timeline of many of our players. So if we are to ultimately make a deal with any of our major-league talent, we know exactly what we need to get in return."

Kansas City Royals had to trade Zack Greinke, and he landed with the Brewers - ESPN
Kansas City's trade package for Greinke and shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt looks more like Mark Teixeira Lite. Moore got a shortstop (Alcides Escobar) who posted a .288 on base percentage last season, and a center fielder (Lorenzo Cain) with some ability, but no amazing, off-the-charts tool. He landed a young pitcher (Jake Odorizzi) who has lots of promise but spent 2010 in the Class A Midwest League, and another pitcher (former first-round draft pick Jeremy Jeffress) who served two suspensions for marijuana use in the minor leagues.

Baseball Prospectus | Transaction Analysis: The Greinke Trade
Odorizzi is arguably the prize, because he's an athletic, hard-throwing prospect with consistent 90-something velocity and a nice breaker with the upside to be a quality starter in the front end of a rotation (albeit perhaps shy of acedom). Just as happily, the Brewers have handled him carefully since making him a supplemental first-rounder in 2008. If the estimate that he reaches the majors to stay in 2013 is correct, he'll be just 23 years old when he's in a position to give the Royals an answer on his potential, assuming no injuries in the meantime.

Kansas City Nabs Four Young Players for Greinke | FanGraphs Baseball
Cain, 24, has certainly shown flashes of promise but he’s also posted massive strikeout rates (21.3 K% in double-A, which is one of his lower rates) throughout his career despite below average power numbers (.111 ISO). He does show good patience, so there is hope for him at the top of the batting order if he can curb his Ks. Cain showed improved base running skills in 2010 but has a history of getting thrown out a lot. I see him more as a strong fourth or platoon outfielder; I just don’t think he’s going to be a consistent everyday player. He’s survived with very high BABIPs throughout his career and I find it hard to believe he’s going to remain that far above average for an extended period of time at the MLB level.

Price was just too high for Zack Greinke - Dallas Texas Rangers Blog - ESPN Dallas
First of all, no one in this market has pushed harder for Greinke than Jamey Newberg, who was proposing trades for Greinke before he won the 2009 Cy Young Award. Newberg analyzes the deal here and notes that the price was just too high if the comparables written by a few respected people in the industry are correct.

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Royals Schedule 4PM Press Conference

The Kansas City Royals have scheduled a a press conference at 4 to announce the recent events of this morning. It has become official the Royals have traded Zack Grienke and Jeremy Jeffress has officially been tabbed as the PTBNL coming to the Royals. Jeffress has a known drug problem, but the Royals were looking into other issues before taking on the pitcher who can reach 102 mph on the radar gun.

In related new the Royals have designated infielder Joaquin Arias for assignment to presumably make room for Jeffress on the 40-man roster. Jeffress will join the Royals bullpen. Alcides Escobar and Lorenzo Cain will also be joining the Kansas City Royals major league roster while Jake Odorizzi will be join Kansas City's Class A affiliate the Wilmington Blue Rocks of the Carolina League.

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Zack Greinke Trade: Press Conference Reportedly Coming With Official Announcement

The Kansas City Royals have yet to confirm the widely reported trade that will send Zack Greinke to the Milwaukee Brewers. The deal came out of nowhere originally started on a blog on the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, who scooped all the national guys with the news. The blog reported that an official announcement would be coming Monday and Jon Heyman of SI.com says that has been moved up to Sunday afternoon.

greinke announcement planned for this aft. now. were planning on monday but bernie's crew blog changed the plans with scoop

The reported deals of the trade:

In the deal, the Royals are reportedly acquiring Brewers outfielder Lorenzo Cain, shortstop Alcides Escobar and pitching prospects Jake Odorizzi and Jeremy Jeffress for the 27-year-old Greinke, 10-14 with a 4.17 ERA in 2010 after winning the 2009 Cy Young.

It's all so surreal. I expected a Greinke trade but maybe not this quickly. Check out Royals Review for reaction to the trade.

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Zack Greinke Trade: Nationals Were 'Close To Deal' Before Royals Trade With Brewers

Now that the national MLB reporters have been scooped by a blog on the Zack Greinke trade, they're coming out with reports of teams that were close to acquiring Greinke before the Kansas City Royals decided to send him to the Milwaukee Brewers.

Jon Heyman of SI.com reports the Royals were close to a deal with the Washington Nationals but Greinke wouldn't approve the trade.

royals were close to deal w/ nats. but greinke had right to reject trade to wash and told kc he wouldnt go. he approved crew, tho

Greinke had 15 teams on his no-trade list so he had some control here. SB Nation's Nationals blog, Federal Baseball, looked at a possible Greinke trade on Saturday before the news broke.

The top pitching prospect in the Nats' system heading into the '09 season, who's fully-recovered from Tommy John surgery, will turn 25 next May and is expected to pitch at or near the top of Washington's rotation this year. The Nats' second '09 1st Round pick, a 23-year-old major-league ready closer who has only to claim the job this Spring for it to be his. The top infield prospect in the Nats' system, who made his MLB debut at 23-years-old last season and figures to start at second if he's not dealt. How much do the Nats want Zack Greinke?

Check out Federal Baseball for the names reported to be involved.

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Zack Greinke Trade: With Prince Fielder's Last Year, Brewers Pull Out All The Stops

The Milwaukee Brewers were a surprise team to pull out the Zack Greinke trade sweepstakes. We knew they were interested and heard about their interest throughout the rumor mill but nevertheless it's very surprising.

Now we look to 2011 where the Brewers and Kansas City Royals are going in opposite directions. The Royals have very low expectations as they've just traded their best player and they tend to be looking 2012 and beyond as years they'll be competitive.

The Brewers, on the other hand, are swinging for the fences in 2011. Prince Fielder's entering his last year and is expected to his free agency so they're shooting for '11.

As Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel just pointed out on Twitter, the one thing we do know is that Prince Fielder is not going to be traded. Fielder will be a free agent after the 2011 season and barring something out of the ordinary, he is fully expected to test the open market. This is likely the Brewers’ last chance to win with Fielder in the fold, so they are going for it.

The Royals aren't in that position and won't be for a few years (if they ever are). We knew the Greinke trade was coming but it's kind of disappointing now that there are very few reasons to go out and watch the Royals next next year.

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Zack Greinke Trade Reactions: 'I Don't Like It'

If you're just waking up Sunday morning then get ready for the news -- Zack Greinke was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers. The Kansas City Royals pulled the trigger on a late that was reported on Saturday night.

In the deal, the Royals are reportedly acquiring Brewers outfielder Lorenzo Cain, shortstop Alcides Escobar and pitching prospects Jake Odorizzi and Jeremy Jeffress for the 27-year-old Greinke, 10-14 with a 4.17 ERA in 2010 after winning the 2009 Cy Young.

There's a report that Yuniesky Betancourt is involved.

Reactions to the trade? It's mostly....eh. Here's what SB Nation's Royals Revie has to say:

I don't like the trade.  Dayton seems to just trying to trade for pieces to fill in his needs (see Allard Baird and the Beltran trade).  I would have been nice to have gotten Gamel which the Brewers sent to Toronto. 

Trading to fill a need has logic but hen you're dealing your best trade chip I think you should focus on best return-- not need.

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Zack Greinke Trade Deadline Emerges: Spring Training

As everyone knows the Kansas City Royals are entertaining the idea of trading Zack Greinke. They've fielded offers from various teams and have generally kept a very high price tag on their ace pitcher. One of the reasons I figured GM Dayton Moore was holding such a high price tag on Greinke is because the Royals hold the leverage in this situation.

Greinke is under contract for two more years, at a (relatively) cheap rate, and one of the Royals advantages is that, in theory, they could hang onto him the next two years. Would they actually do it? I don't know, but it's still possible which gives the Royals some leverage. "You don't want to give up player X and player Y for Greinke? OK, we won't trade him." It could be as simple as that from Moore.

Unfortunately that's unlikely to work out. In theory, it makes sense. In reality, ESPN's Buster Olney likely has the right idea. The trade situation needs to be cleared up before spring training because heading down to Arizona next year with Greinke still on the team would result in daily interviews that could resemble last August's interview with Bob Dutton of the Kansas City.

And it's possible that one day, or most days, or every day, he will answer the questions, and the situation will spiral right into ugly. The Royals don't need that -- their most prominent player griping about the franchise, making it clear he wants out, feelings that burbled late last summer.

That story in the Star was somewhat surprising because it was Greinke going public with his doubts about the Royals farm system (and rightfully so considering his tenure in Kansas City).

If Moore isn't going to trade Greinke by spring training, the next time Greinke will be bombarded with cameras on a daily basis, then he needs to make it crystal clear that Greinke is staying with the Royals. Kansas City will have a young team coming up and they don't need negative media attention surrounding them. Moore, for his part, hasn't exactly created a major league roster full of talent so adding a national spotlight on the team he's created probably isn't the best idea.

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Zack Greinke's Reported Trade Request Turns Up Heat On Kansas City Royals

Ed Price of FanHouse.com reported on Friday that Zack Greinke changed agents. Later on Friday, Jon Morosi reported that Greinke has officially requested a trade. (Hmm....Morosi's source may have just been identified). Royals GM Dayton Moore has not commented on the report but it's no secret Greinke is likely to be traded. Moore uses words like "if and when" Greinke is traded suggesting it's imminent.

If this leaked report of a trade request came from Greinke's camp as we suspect then it's an indication that they're turning up the heat on the Royals to make a deal.

From Greinke's perspective, it makes sense to do something before the 2011 season. He probably doesn't want to enter the 2011 season with as much uncertainty as there will likely be. If he has a Royals uniform on next April, the questions will simply be: When will you get traded? I imagine no player wants to go through that.

So Greinke likely wants some stability and he wants it now. His agent likewise probably wants to get a trade done, negotiate some sort of extension and get paid. The sooner that happens, the sooner everyone is happy.

From the Royals perspective, Greinke (in theory) loses value every day he's still on the Royals. He has a team friendly deal and trading him now versus next year means one more (relatively) cheap year you can hang onto Greinke. So from KC's perspective, a trade before 2011 makes sense, too.

Now the question is....when will the Royals trade him?

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Zack Greinke Agent Switch Means What For The Kansas City Royals?

As SB Nation Kansas City's Matt Hays noted, Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke has changed agents from SFX to CAA. If you're wondering if this is a big deal the answer is: we don't know. Changing agents in itself can be done for a lot of reasons but unless you're planning on changing teams soon -- agents can help facilitate trades -- or getting a new contract -- Greinke has two years left -- there's no reason to switch agents. But Greinke is potentially getting traded and he will need a new deal soon. So, yes, this means something we're just not sure what.

What you can be sure of is that this particular agent isn't going to do work for free. The agent, like most players, wants to get paid. This does not bode well for Kansas City potentially signing Greinke to a long-term deal. Did we think that was possible? Maybe a minute chance but I think this makes the odds of that happening even lower.

Agents, as much as some members of the team's front office, make things happen in baseball. They can help facilitate trades and you've gotta wonder if that's what's going on here. Greinke expressed frustration earlier in the year about his situation. Was that a reflection on his agent unable to trade him? Did he want to get traded? Did he ask to be traded? We don't know the answer to any of those.

Players don't change agents and hope for the status quo. This was done for a specific reason -- was it money? Was it to get traded? We're still figuring that out but something is going to change and, if the Greinke trade rumors mean anything, something could be changing soon.

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Zack Greinke Switches Agents

Ed Price has tweeted that Royals pitcher Zack Greinke has switched agents. Zack goes from SFX to CAA. I won't claim I know anything about either agent, but I do know they are not Scott Boras. What this means for a potential trade no one knows, but it seems to be a sign that Greinke is anxious to be leaving Kansas City.

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Details On Zack Greinke's No-Trade Clause Involve Rangers, Dodgers, Angels

In a report that was released earlier today, we have now found out that Zack Greinke would be unable to block a potential trade to the Texas Rangers. Although Kansas City Royals General Manager Dayton Moore has not publicly mentioned any teams Greinke may be traded to, it is common knowledge that the Rangers have certainly looked at the possibility of acquiring the star right-hander. 

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are also teams looking for additional pitching that Zack is unable to block a trade to. The New York Yankees and Washington Nationals are among teams that Greinke may block a trade to. The Yankees are always looking to improve their pitching while Washington has been big spenders this winter and reportedly just added pitcher Chien-Ming Wang this afternoon.

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Zack Greinke Trade Rumors Include Phillies (Not Happening), Yankees, Rangers, Blue Jays, Nationals

Now that Cliff Lee is reportedly signing with the Philadelphia Phillies it's time to look back at potential Zack Greinke landing spots. The Kansas City Royals were waiting on Lee to sign before getting serious about Greinke, according to reports. Now that that's happened, where might Greinke end up?

The Phillies are ruled out, according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, especially after the Lee deal.

The Phillies have not had any substantive talks with the Royals regarding Zack Greinke, sources say. You can rule that one out.

Crasnick goes on to write that the New York Yankees or Texas Rangers may not have enough to get Greinke.

Baseball sources said that Kansas City general manager Dayton Moore is actively gauging the market for Greinke, and that both the Yankees and Rangers rank down the list of potential fits for Greinke. The reason: Neither team has enough of the commodity that Moore is seeking in trade.

We go back and forth on the Yankees but Joel Sherman of the NY Post writes on Monday night that they won't be going hard after Greinke.

that Zack is different, not built for NY and that is key why they would not play big for Zack even if don't get Lee

And on Tuesday, Sherman continues:

Asked multiple officials between last nite and today all say King Felix not available nor is anything else ace level in trade mart except Greinke, and Yankees just don't believe he can handle NY

The Blue Jays? ESPN's Buster Olney wrote over the weekend they may not have enough to get Greinke either -- or at least not enough they're willing to give up.

Heard this: The Blue Jays are not close on a Zack Greinke deal, and have no intention of giving up Kyle Drabek and Travis Snider for him.

The Nationals are reportedly "aggressively pursuing" but they probably don't have enough to make a deal, the Washington Post writes.

"I don't see Washington having enough to do a deal with Kansas City," the source said. "I don't see that they have enough to offer unless they were willing to discuss a Desmond or a Jordan Zimmermann, and I don't see that happening. I can't see anyone else for Kansas City that gets them excited enough to do it."

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Cliff Lee Signs With Philadelphia Phillies; Zack Greinke Trade Implications?

The Cliff Lee sweepstakes are over. The Philadelphia Phillies have reportedly signed the Cliff Lee which is surprising news because the Phillies weren't known serious contenders until Monday. The deal is reported to be five years and it gives the Phillies an incredible lineup.

No matter how it works out, next season's Phillies will sport a starting rotation of Lee, Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, Cole Hamels, and someone else. It's a rotation that has the potential to be the best starting rotation in modern baseball history.

But for Kansas City Royals fans, we want to know what this means for Zack Greinke. There have been multiple reports that the Royals were waiting until Lee signed before they made a move. We'll see if this move makes the Royals act. Just last week one report said the New York Yankees would be involved if they lost out on Lee.

Royals officials also continue to believe that the Yankees will pursue Greinke strongly if New York loses out on Lee.

ESPN's Jerry Crasnick reported that GM Dayton Moore is "actively gauging" the trade market for Greinke. This may have some teams -- Texas Rangers? -- looking harder at Greinke.

Check out Royals Review for more on the Royals.

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Zack Greinke Trade Candidates: Rangers, Brewers, Blue Jays, Dodgers, Nationals And Yankees

The trade rumors surrounding Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke are continuing to flow in and Danny Knobler of CBS Sports reports that, as expected, the Royals won't be trading Greinke until a deal with Cliff Lee is done someplace. As we've explained, waiting on Lee makes plenty of sense because it would give the Royals leverage once he's the top pitcher on the (potential) market.

Knobler says the Royals left the MLB Winter Meetings "more convinced than ever" Greinke will be traded.

Knobler also reports the names of teams interested:

So where does Greinke go? That's much less certain, but officials familiar with the talks said four to five teams have been most aggressive. That group includes the Rangers, Brewers, Blue Jays, Dodgers and Nationals. Royals officials also continue to believe that the Yankees will pursue Greinke strongly if New York loses out on Lee.

The Marlins are also a team that's called but there was nothing there, according to a report. The Yankees' interest has previously been shot down by New York beat writers who say the Yankees don't believe Greinke would play in New York.

Just wait for the Lee deal to go through and then we'll start to see come clarity.

Check out Royals Review for more on Greinke trade rumors.

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Amid Trade Rumors At MLB Winter Meetings, Zack Greinke Is Great Value

The Kansas City Royals are fielding offers from various teams for the services of pitcher Zack Greinke. Because Kansas City has yet to commit to trading him (publicly, at least), they hold the upper hand in all the negotiations. They don't have to trade him and they've done their best to make that clear in order to raise their leverage.

But will they? The excellent Rany On The Royals writes that the odds may be rising of Greinke getting dealt.

Today, I’d put those odds much higher, for two reasons. The first is that with the money that’s flying around this month, Greinke’s contract - $27 million for 2 years – looks even more enticing than ever. Depending on where Cliff Lee ends up, you’ll have at least one and possibly two of the Rangers/Yankees who will be looking for a fallback option, and Greinke for $27/2 looks considerably more appetizing after you’ve just offered Lee $120/5 and been turned down.

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Zack Greinke Trade Rumors Now Include Florida Marlins

The Kansas City Royals are currently fielding calls from various teams at the MLB Winter Meetings that are interested in pitcher Zack Greinke. The Royals asking price is said to be very high which has likely scared a few teams off.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports the latest team to try to work a Greinke trade -- Florida Marlins.

The deal never was close, and the possibility of the discussions reviving is only "lukewarm," the source said.

But the Marlins, who have a history of pursuing blockbusters, envisioned pairing Greinke with right-hander Josh Johnson at the top of their rotation.

Interesting. There was a thought, according to Rosenthal, that there was another team involved. The Rangers, who have been linked to the Marlins in trade talks, denied they were the team, according to the report.

Another day and another team is interested in Greinke.

Check out Royals Review for more on MLB's Winter Meetings.

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Zack Greinke Trade Rumors: Five Teams 'Seriously' Pursuing Royals Pitcher

The Kansas City Royals have not yet determined whether they'll trade pitcher Zack Greinke but they're listening to offers -- a lot of them. According to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com, the Royals have five teams "seriously" pursuing Greinke while three more have some level of interest.

This comes as little surprise considering we've heard from team after team that has, at the very least, some interest in the Royals pitcher, who is a free agent after the 2012 season.

Rosenthal reports that the Royals are looking hard at each player involved in any potential deal and that they're in no rush to get anything done. Of course, the longer they wait the more risk they're taking. Greinke could suffer an injury or a bad season which would lower his value.

Some reports have said Greinke would approve a trade to anyone, even those on his no-trade list.

According to one source, Greinke has told the Royals he is willing to go to any club. Some rival executives, however, express doubt that Greinke is indeed open-minded. The Blue Jays are among the clubs on his no-trade list.

Rosenthal reports that the Rangers seem to be high on the list at this point.

Check out Royals Review for more on Greinke.

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'If Trading Zack Greinke, Now Is The Time,' Teams Tell Royals GM

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Amid Trade Rumors, Ned Yost Gushes About Zack Greinke At MLB Winter Meetings

The Kansas City Royals are unsure if they're trading Zack Greinke but manager Ned Yost plans on keeping him for a couple years. On Tuesday, Yost was asked about Greinke and gushed about, well, everything as he says he's happy "we've got him for two more years."

"He's got a fastball that he can sink, that he cuts a little bit, that he gets up to 97 mph," said Yost. "He's got a put-away slider, a put-away changeup, he's a bona fide No. 1 starter. His competitiveness is unparalleled to anybody I've seen on the mound. He's a dogged competitor, wants to win with every fiber of his being. He's a phenomenal, talented player and we've got him for two more years, and that makes me happy."

Of course personnel decisions fall under the umbrella of the GM and, as much as I like Ned Yost, the Royals had no clue even last spring he'd be the manager of the team.

Yost went on to recognize that Greinke wants to win and the window for that is short.

"But Zack's like all of us, he wants to win, and Zack knows there's a short window to win. His career is not going to last forever and he wants to maximize the time he has. And we're trying to speed up the process for him -- we're trying to win, too. And when is that time going to come? Probably a year or two down the road, but he's of a mind that 'I want to win.' So if a situation develops and it makes sense for us, it's something we'll surely consider."

What makes sense for the Royals is a bounty in return.

Royals fans have seen too often this team trade away talent so management is already communicating to its fans that they they are asking for a ridiculous amount in return, and they're prepared to head into next season with Greinke on the roster (which is the source of much of their leverage). That way if/when Greinke is traded, the Royals can say they held out for a ridiculous offer and got it.

For some Royals fans, it'll just be the next Johnny Damon or Carlos Beltran.

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Zack Greinke Trade Rumors: Royals GM Dayton Moore Speaks

The Kansas City Royals are willing to move on without a trade involving pitcher Zack Greinke, GM Dayton Moore again told reporters on Tuesday evening. The Royals GM talked and said there are a lot more questions with Greinke and a possible trade than answers at this point.

Moore says the trade has to be a must-win for everybody involved.

"If we decide to move Zack, there'll be enough for us to be satisfied if that's what we decide we ultimately need to do," Moore said. "But again, I don't know when that is -- I don't if it's here, if it's at the [July] non-waiver Trade Deadline, I don't know if it's in the [next] offseason."

Ideally Moore has a pretty good idea on what Greinke's value is; when it spikes and when it begins to decline. He can look back historically at other trades -- from his experience and others -- and get a rough idea of what Greinke's value is now versus eight months from now.

What's not known is Greinke's performance next season. That's what represents the risk/reward of it all. If Greinke comes out next year and tanks then the Royals probably lost a lot of leverage in trying to trade him. But if he comes out red hot then maybe they'd be getting a half-season of good pitching from him and then trade him for the same -- or theoretically, more.

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Zack Greinke Trade Rumors Continue As Teams Are 'Upping Offers' At MLB Winter Meetings

There are a few teams believed to be interested in the services of pitcher Cliff Lee at the MLB winter meetings. The Kansas City Royals are not one of those teams but they're still connected to the Cliff Lee sweepstakes. While teams bid over him, the Royals will likely wait to see where the dust settles.

Once Lee is gone, Greinke becomes the top (potentially) available player. Logic says this is what the Royals are waiting on while they keep their asking price sky-high. If someone wants to pry him away before a Lee deal gets done, it'll cost them. Apparently that's something GM Dayton Moore would be willing to do if they got the right return.

According to Ed Price of FanHouse, it's working. Teams are reportedly "upping offers" for Greinke. We'll see if that means they're getting anywhere near what the Royals want in return.

So if the Royals are waiting on Lee, the next question becomes: When will Lee sign?

It seems that everyone has an opinion on Cliff Lee and when he might find out his next team. One report on Tuesday night said it was doubtful he would sign before the MLB winter meetings are over. That would likely mean we're not going to see much action this week, which I think most expected.

As usual, check out Royals Review to see what Royals fans are saying about a potential Greinke trade.

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Zack Greinke Trade Rumors: Royals Not Interested In Dealing With Nationals

The Kansas City Royals reportedly have an "off the charts" asking price on pitcher Zack Greinke right now but that hasn't stopped team after team to call them and inquire about their ace during MLB winter meetings this week. There are indications the Royals will wait on a Greinke decision until the Cliff Lee situation is figured out. Once Lee is off the market, Greinke becomes the most desirable (potentially) available pitcher.

As teams are "upping offers," word comes that the Nationals -- who called about Greinke this week -- are not a good trading partner for the Royals, according to Bill Ladson of MLB.com.

The Royals felt the Nationals were not a match in terms of the players they wanted. Kansas City is looking for starting pitching and a right-handed-hitting outfielder who could hit for power.

This jives with the reports that the Royals asking price is high. But it's not such a bad thing that they're asking so much right now. They have some time and could even roll the dice and keep him another year. The Royals' biggest advantage right now is that they're willing to go into 2011 with Greinke on their team so they won't be forced into dealing him.

The Nationals are in on Cliff Lee, too, but they've said it's not likely they acquire him.

Check out Royals Review for more on the MLB winter meetings.

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Zack Greinke Trade Rumors: Dodgers Reportedly Contact Royals At MLB Winter Meetings

The Kansas City Royals are a popular group at the MLB Winter Meetings. That's because, after Cliff Lee, they hold one of the most sought after players in pitcher Zack Greinke. While teams are calling and asking about Greinke, the price reportedly remains high.

The latest team to call the Royals -- Los Angeles Dodgers. GM Ned Colletti confirmed to reporters including ESPN Los Angeles on Tuesday that they had spoken with the Royals.

Although Colletti wouldn't identify what players were discussed, the call clearly was about the same player almost every call to the Royals is about these days, former American League Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke.

The Royals put the price very high for a reason. They're not going to sell themselves short on Greinke. I think this is a smart move as long as they understand when his maximum value is. If it's this week, then pull the trigger. If it's after 2011, then wait. if the return package is huge, I feel pretty flexible on when this gets done.

The Dodgers, despite a flurry of free-agent signings so far this offseason, still appear thin at some spots and probably aren't in a position to deal multiple major league players for one starting pitcher, no matter how good he is.

Yeah this sounds exploratory. It's probably just the Dodgers doing their due diligence.

SB Nation's Royals Review has an really goodreview of day two at the MLB Winter Meetings in the comments section.

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Zack Greinke Trade Rumors Continue: Nationals Reportedly Call Royals

ESPN's Buster Olney says some GMs around the league believe the Kansas City Royals will trade Zack Greinke this winter. The trade rumors come from a lot of places -- Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox -- and now there's a new name to add.

The Nationals inquired on Greinke, according to Danny Knobler of CBSSports.

Of course a phone call and actual interest are two different things. The Nationals are also in on Cliff Lee reportedly set to offer him a large contract. MLB's Winter Meetings are currently in day two. The first day focused more on the Blue Jays interest -- or lack of interest.

The Royals asking price on Greinke is reportedly "off the charts" so any team that wants him will really have to make a commitment. Will it be the Nationals? Rangers? Seems like anyone's in play at this point.

Olney writes on Tuesday that keeping Greinke may not be a risk the Royals want to make.

If the Royals keep Greinke into the 2011 season and his ERA again hovers near 4.00, he will lose the mulligan that rival evaluators are giving him for his 2010 performance. His trade value will drop significantly.

Hop on over to Royals Review for more on Greinke and other trade rumors.

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MLB Winter Meetings: Zack Greinke Trade Rumors Continue With Royals 'Off The Charts' Asking Price

The trade rumors involving Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke continue on day two of the MLB winter meetings.

The rumors on day one centered mostly on the Toronto Blue Jays and their reported interest in Greinke. Reportedly the Royals do like Kyle Drabek and Travis Snider of the Blue Jays but Toronto has said that the Royals asking price is too high. ESPN's Buster Olney says rival executives are saying the Royals asking price is "off the charts". The Royals have acknowledged that, yes, their price is very high and they want a bounty in return for any Greinke trade. If no one is willing to take the bait, he'll remain a Royal, they say.

Day two rumors involve a trade within the division. Last week the Royals reportedly said they wouldn't trade Greinke within the division. This week's they say wouldn't trade him inside the division "in a perfect world" which of course is a different stance than before.

So why would they change their tune? Is someone within the division expressing interest? The way I see it, no deal is ever off the table. Why would the Royals eliminate the AL Central from running up the price on Greinke?

Check out Royals Review for more on the MLB Winter Meetings and the rumors on day two.

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MLB Trade Rumors, Winter Meetings: Day One And Zack Greinke Is Still A Kansas City Royal

Day one of the MLB winter meetings has come and gone and despite all the MLB trade rumors, Zack Grienke is still a pitcher for the Kansas City Royals. The Royals and GM Dayton Moore were involved in some trade rumors on the first day. Some involved Greinke and some (more realistic ones) involved Jeff Francouer.

So one day down, here's what people are saying about the MLB winter meetings. Be sure to check out the reaction from fans over at Royals Review.

Day One At The Winter Meetings Ends Without Royals Trading Zack Greinke or Jeff Francoeur - Royals Review
The Royals haven't traded Zack Greinke. Yet. The Royals haven't signed Jeff Francoeur. Yet. A handful of moves were made or finalized today, but despite a flurry of lunchtime rumors surrounding Jeff Francoeur, nothing changed on the Royals front.

Trading Shaun Marcum could position Blue Jays for shot at Zack Greinke - Daily Pitch: MLB News, Standings, Schedules & More - USATODAY.com
Maybe it would take Drabek and more young talent -- three top prospects was the price for Gonzalez today and Halladay last year -- but that all could make sense if the Blue Jays are convinced the real Greinke is the 2009 Cy Young Award winner rather than the 10-14, 4.17 ERA, wondering-out-loud-if-he-wants-to-leave version from 2010.

Royals, Rangers Tussling Over Zack Greinke Return - SB Nation Dallas-Ft. Worth
Everyone - including the Royals themselves - agrees that they are asking for a huge package to trade Greinke. Those comments are reminiscent of opposing GMs' comments in the summer of 2007, as Jon Daniels shopped Mark Teixeira. The requested package seems to target a similar return.

Royals say Rangers not offering enough for Greinke - KansasCity.com
The Royals want two impact prospects, with one preferably being a pitcher, in return for Greinke, who is under contract through 2012 at $13.5 million a season. They also want another player or two capable of supporting roles on a major-league club. Texas has the necessary pieces to meet those demands – if it chooses. The Royals are believed to be interested in shortstop Jurickson Profar, outfielder Engel Beltre and one or more of the Rangers’ talented young pitchers.

Lobby talk: Zack Greinke, Paul Konerko - Dallas Texas Rangers Blog - ESPN Dallas
But Toronto sounds like they are interested and if the Yankees don't get Lee, they could be as well. Kansas City wants a certain package of players and they'll wait to see if they can get that (in other words, they'd like their own Mark Teixeira deal...who can blame them?). Apparently the Rangers are not on Greinke's no-trade list, but the Blue Jays are. He could, of course, waive that clause if a trade is in place with Toronto and he decides he wants out of Kansas City bad enough. The Rangers really like Profar, so I'm not sure if he would be included in a package. We'll see.

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MLB Winter Meetings Trade Rumors: Jeff Francouer Reportedly A Royals Possibility; Phillies, Too

Will McDonald of Royals Review has said a number of times that Jeff Francouer would be a Kansas City Royal in no time. That's of course a nod to GM Dayton Moore to bring in guys to which he has a connection and Francouer, the former Atlanta Brave, fits the bill.

According to Peter Gammons, Francouer is a possibility for Kansas City. Gammons reports he is a possibility for the Royals, Philadeliphia Phillies, Houston Astros and Cleveland Indians. Ken Rosenthal adds the Colorado Rockies to that list and notes the most playing time would come in KC.

There were some rumors that the Royals were interested in Francouer during the MLB trade deadline last summer but ultimately nothing came to fruition.

Check out Royals Review for more on MLB Winter meetings.

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MLB Winter Meetings 2010: Trade Rumors Include Kansas City Royals' Zack Greinke

The 2010 MLB winter meetings are beginning and in Kansas City the trade rumors will be focused on Royals ace Zack Greinke. We've heard the Toronto Blue Jays are interested, along with the Milwaukee Brewers and of course the New York Yankees, among other teams. We're not sure who the leader in the clubhouse is at this point -- or if the Royals are even considering a trade at this point -- but expect plenty of trade rumors to be cropping up.

Will McDonald of Royals Review doesn't think a Greinke trade makes a ton of sense right now while others say they should dump him now. We'll see how it all shakes out. Be sure to stick with Royals Review throughout the week for coverage of the winter meetings. Also, be sure to check out this winter meetings primer from SBNation.com.

Here's what people are saying about the Zack Greinke trade rumors now:

Royals Review - For Kansas City Royals Fans
The idea that Moore would trade Greinke before the Cliff Lee sweepstakes shakes out also seems odd, but then again, this is Dayton Moore we're talking about. In season, the moves never come fast enough, off season, there's never any wait. So we'll see.

Winter wonder: Will these five players move at meetings? - USATODAY.com
The Royals don't have to trade Greinke. They've got him locked up for two more years. Yet, he has expressed interest in joining a contender, and just about everyone in baseball wants him. The Toronto Blue Jays have been most aggressive. The Minnesota Twins say they would love to have him. The Seattle Mariners and Washington Nationals are interested too.

Baseball's winter meetings offer one-stop shopping - latimes.com
Former Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke is also a trade candidate, but the Kansas City Royals would likely demand an extraordinary package of prospects in return. What makes Greinke particularly attractive is that he is 27 and under contract for two more years at a reasonable $13.5 million per season. Greinke has a no-trade list that includes 15 teams. The Texas Rangers are among the teams that are interested. The same could be true of the Yankees, but Greinke's well-chronicled social anxiety disorder could prevent a move to the country's largest media market.

Royals' Greinke ready to go anywhere - Scoop Du Jour - MLB  - Yahoo! Sports
One place Greinke could be headed, FOXSports.com notes, is to the Toronto Blue Jays, who just traded Shaun Marcum(notes) out of its rotation. The Jays have contacted the Royals to discuss a possible deal.

Trade Market Heats Up for Greinke
Moore, meanwhile, cautions a willingness to entertain offers should not be misinterpreted as a desire to trade his ace. Manager Ned Yost said he expects Greinke to be the club’s starter for the 2011 season opener against the Angels. The steady drumbeat from all club officials, in fact, is any deal must provide a mega-return in talent similar to the bounty Texas reaped in 2007 by sending Mark Teixeira to Atlanta. The Rangers netted shortstop Elvis Andrus and reliever Neftali Feliz as part of that seven-player deal. "For us, when you look at Zack Greinke," Moore said, "you need some immediate help at the major-league level to help stabilize you, and you need future impact. It’s a rare combination."