After just six games in a Kansas City Royals uniform, the Yamaico Navarro era is officially over as the utility infielder whom the Royals acquired in the Mike Aviles trade with the Boston Red Sox, has once again been traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for a pair of minor leaguers in pitcher Brooks Pounders and infielder Diego Goris.
Ultimately the move will free up a spot on the 40-man roster as the the Royals are anticipated to select a player in Thursday's Rule V Draft.
Pounders is the bigger (literally and figuratively) name in the trade, as the right-hander toes the rubber at 6'4" 255 lbs. Hailing from California, Pounders was the second round draft pick of the Pirates in 2009. He has put up modest numbers thus far are his career marks at 10-10 with a 3.82 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 132 innings. He excelled in A ball last season for the West Virginia Power, as he shined with 72 strikeouts against just 14 walks. Pounders will report to Wilmington (High A) next season.
Pounders is athletic for his size, yet isn't a power pitcher. His fastball is commonly in the high 80's, but his changeup has been his premiere pitch thus far. Ironically his draft report compares him to newly signed Royals pitcher Jonathan Broxton.
The other player received, Goris, will be celebrating his 21st birthday on Thursday, and thus far has only played in the Dominican Summer League for the Pirates. Last season he posted a .350/.387/.511 line in 68 games. He hit five home runs, had 46 RBI, and stole 15 bases in 18 attempts. Goris will be assigned to Burlington (Rookie League).
Pounders has upside as a potential reliever for the Royals down the road, while Goris is nothing more than a lottery ticket. For more Royals discussion make sure to visit Royals Review, the official Royals blog site on the SB Nation Network.