Even before trading away Zack Greinke, the Royals were widely considered to have the best farm system in baseball. With Jake Odorizzi and Jeremy Jeffress now in the fold, some prospect analysts believe the the Royals’ farm system may be historically good.
Is this a case of hyperbole, or do the Royals really have one of the best farm systems ever?
With the Phillies signing Cliff Lee late Monday night, much of the winter intrigue now shifts to Zack Greinke, the last ‘ace’ seemingly available this off-season. Reports have surfaced throughout the off-season suggesting that: a) Greinke is not happy in Kansas City and b) the Royals are ‘actively gauging’ the level of interest in the right-hander. Add in the fact that every team in baseball could use an ace starter (ok, maybe not the Phillies) and it’s hard to see Greinke wearing Royal blue come opening day.
One of the more interesting things about the Greinke rumors is how the Royals are treating the issue of whether to move the starter within the AL Central. First indications were that the Royals were opposed to trading Greinke within the division, but they seemed to have softened their stance of late. The issue is relevant not only because the Twins are rumored to have interest in the right-hander, but also because it provides an opportunity to discuss why I believe teams should look to trade within their own division.
It’s been a quiet off-season so far for the Pirates, but the Buccos made perhaps their biggest move of the young winter yesterday, reportedly agreeing to terms with Kevin Correia on a deal that will pay the right-hander $8 million over two years. Most observers seem to think the Pirates overpaid. $8 million looks like a lot of guaranteed money for a guy who has spent much of his career bouncing between the bullpen and the rotation, and it’s rare that pitchers coming off a season in which they posted a 5.40 ERA get two year deals. Pitchers of this ilk typically have to settle for one year, incentive-laden contracts. Despite the skepticism, the singing appears to be a fair one for Pittsburgh.
We’re happy to welcome our third new writer into the fold. Reed will be writing about a variety of topics, including prospects and player development. We think he’ll add a nice dimension to the site.
In Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa the Nationals have something that perhaps no other team in baseball has, two promising young shortstops who are both ready to play in the Majors. Rumors have recently circulated that Desmond has drawn strong trade interest. With the Winter Meetings right around the corner, let’s take a look at both players and see what Nationals’ best course of action is.