Da Royals' Moves

It took me a long time, but here's my rundown of the moves (I've left a few out) the Royals have made thus far this offseason:

Gone:
Runelvys Hernandez - Great move! I loved the guy for his competitive nature, but he lost it somewhere along the way. This gives him a shot to find it elsewhere and, more importantly, clears up a rotation spot for another young guy who might actually give some effort day in and day out.

Mark Redman - Another great move. I know he was our pitcher of the year, but c'mon! He was inconsistent and when he went on a bad streak it looked like he couldn't strike out a blind man. I hope he finds success, but he was taking up valuable prospect time in the majors for no reason.

Doug Mientkiewicz - Good move. I HATE to see him go. I love the guy, always have. But at this point, there's just no room for him on the team. With Shealy showing immense promise (offensively and defensively) and a slew of other potential First Basemen, there's just no way to justify keeping him.

Paul Bako - Good move. Honestly, will anyone notice he's gone? Was he even a Royal?

Adam Bernero - Good move. He showed some signs of being a pretty solid pitcher for us, but he always came across as a cocky guy (leaving for a couple of weeks to start in Philly), and I just think that he would rot in the minors when all is said and done, let him take up space elsewhere.

Scott Dohmann - Great move. He was really just a bonus player in a deal to get Ryan Shealy. He didn't work out... oh, well, Shealy was well worth it.

Andrew Sisco - Iffy move. Look, I know Sisco flat out sucked last year, but he's still a young lefty with some nasty stuff. Given that we only had him for two seasons, I'm not sure I agree with this one. I have heard that he was kicked off of the Mexican League team because he was lazy, so that's why it's only an iffy move. If he winds up torching us and others while in Chicago, this was a horrible move... but, then, only time will tell.

New Arrivals:
Dewon Brazelton - Decent move. The guy has not been impressive, but it is another arm to stock our minor leagues with potential Major League talent... the guy's still got a shot and maybe a change of scenery is all he needs.

Octavio Dotel - Amazing move. I'm still stunned we were able to get this guy. He was THE premier setup man in the majors with Houston for a few years and then became a solid closer in Houston and Oakland before he blew out his arm. Now in his second year back from elbow surgery this guy has the potential to be the next coming of Jeff Montgomery or better.

Gil Meche - Great move. The guy is young, he has wicked stuff... what's not to love. Obviously people claim he is an underachiever and is not a number one starter, but I declare shenanigans on both counts. He played for the Mariners, an underachieving club... that rubs off on players. Also wins don't measure a pitcher's success as much as analysts want you to believe... if I remember there are a lot more players involved in the game than just the pitcher. Anyway, a change of scenery will do him good, and Bob McClure will really help him out. And as far as number one starter - maybe he's not quite there, yet... but he could become that very quickly with his arm. Also, if he doesn't pan out... we can trade him to a contending club that needs one more starting pitcher. He's still young and would be an amazing third starter for a playoff contending team. This was a no-lose move.

David Riske - Great move. He has been a stud setup man for several years, he'll be a great guy to hand over a lead to Dotel.

Jason LaRue - Decent move. Maybe this will spark Buck into the player we all think he could be?

Zach Day - Good move. More Major League arms in the minors - in case of injusry we're not hosed.

Joakim Soria - Great move. Nothing but up-side here. Perfect game anyone (vs. AA or AAA type squad)?

John Bale - Great move. A solid lefty in the bullpen. He has shown the ability to start, relieve, and close games in Japan (which translates to the Majors). He'll be a great swing-man/lefty specialist for us.

Brian Bannister - Great move. The guy showed he was a stud pitcher for the Mets. Obviously he's making the dreaded NL to AL transition, but this guy is young and has great stuff. I think he will turn into a cornerstone of our rotation for many years to come.

Ross Gload - Bad move. Don't get me wrong, I like Ross Gload a lot. He is a solid, versatile player, but do we really need him? He plays First Base and Outfield... last time I checked we had too many First Basemen and way too many Outfielders. I also don't buy into the 'lefty bat' at first argument. I mean... Shealy can flat out hit, anyone... what good is a 'lefty bat' gonna do? We've got enough 'lefty bats' elsewhere in the lineup as it is.

So there you have it. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. On a final note I would like to thank Dayton Moore for really giving us fans reason to be TRULY optimistic, whether or not the season goes well you made smart moves with tons of upside; keep up the great work!

brandx