MLB Rumors: Royals Likely To Pass On Colby Rasmus For Lorenzo Cain's Sake

For a while yesterday, the Kansas City Royals were involved in a rumor concerning a potential swap involving a bullpen arm or more for a centerfielder. Given the Royals commitment to their current prospect in Lorenzo Cain, it seems that deal is not happening. Despite the Blue Jays needing a closer and the Royals luxury of extra arms (especially after signing Jonathan Broxton), the two teams do not match up well if Colby Rasmus is the return for the Royals -- at least according to a report from Bob Dutton.

Dutton says that Dayton Moore is committed to giving Lorenzo Cain a very long look in centerfield next season, which means that the team cannot afford to bring in another player like Rasmus, who will need plenty of playing time on his own to work out his potential at the plate. While Rasmus has all the right tools and has been a top rated prospect for some time, the Royals already have Alex Gordon breaking out in left field and Jeff Francoeur in right. In fact, they traded Melky Cabrera to make room for Cain in the first place. 

While the Royals and Jays might still match well on a deal for a bullpen arm like Greg Holland or Joakim Soria, it's not likely for Rasmus to be the return. Given the Royals greatest needs, a starting pitcher would be the best acquisition -- someone like a Brett Cecil, but that's definitely not likely to happen. For now it seems any talk of Rasmus heading back to Missouri can be put to rest. He's going to have to work out his kinks north of the border for now.