Rick Ankiel and Kyle Farnsworth are headed to the heat of the NL East pennent race, traded to the Atlanta Braves for P Tim Collins, OF Gregor Blanco and P Jesse Chavez. Collins has been in AA and doing well; he will be sent to Omaha. Blanco has been used sparingly with the big league club and Chavez has had some struggles pitching in relief. They will join the Royals big club.
This ends the non-waiver trading period for Major League baseball. The Royals have made deals for youth in general, and moves that do decrease the payroll for next year somewhat. Still left is Jose Guillen, who is bringing interest from clubs in pennant races for his bat and improved outfield play. No other Royal is likely to make it through the trade process without a waiver claim now.
With such youthful players obtained, it will be years before we find out if Dayton Moore is a genius or a dud. However, I like the moves because they proclaim that the team is looking to the future. It will also be fun to see the new guys on the field, and how everything meshes in the club house. The team looks very different now than the team that took the field in April. Besides the trades of Callaspo, Podsednik, Ankiel, and Farnsworth, lost to injury have been Hochaver, Meche, and DeJesus. So it's been an interesting year.Photos kyped from the 'net, from top to bottom: Collins (in the Toronto organisation until mid July), Blanco and Chavez.
No comments:
Post a Comment