Dayton Moore: James Shields, Wade Davis put Royals in position to 'win now'

The Kansas City Royals made a big move on Sunday, sending two top prospects and others to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for pitchers James Shields and Wade Davis. The trade was characterized by most as a one-sided move that favored the Rays, considering the level of prospects given up for two good pitchers.

Royals general manager Dayton Moore, speaking to the media on Monday, stated that the trade was made to immediately improve the team while bolstering a young roster.

"If we want our young players to reach their ceiling, you've got to win games at the Major League level and James Shields and Wade Davis put us in a position to do just that," Moore said.

Shields, who will become the No. 1 starter for the Royals, backed up his general manager and stated that he nor the team is worried about the future.

"It sounds like he wants to win and wants to win now," Shields said, "and that's what I'm all about. I want to win this season and not worry about years down the road. I'm worried about winning right now."

Royals manager Ned Yost stated that Wade Davis, who had become a relief pitcher for the Royals, will return to the starting rotation. Davis had a 4.45 ERA and -0.7 WAR in 2011, before moving to the bullpen in 2012.