Royals

[Warner2BruceTD]

The Royals are listening to offers for Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Alex Gordon, Billy Butler, and even Wil Myers.

Let's talk about this.

Hosmer & Moustakas took pretty big steps backwards. With that said, neither have even entered their mid 20's.

Gordon & Butler are smack dab in their primes, and should have the best years of their careers over the next two years or so.

I can buy a deal that brings in a legit top of the rotation starter, but I would leave most of this core together for at least the nest couple of years. None are expensive and all are teamed controlled through at least 2015.

So what exactly are they listening for, and what is the plan here?

[Guest]

Pitching, pitching, pitching.

A lot of organizations use the philosophy "buy the bats, grow the arms." The Royals have done the opposite, and they are stuck trying to move their bats for pitching. Given the lack of options on the FA market, the price is going to be high.

Still, as you said, the guys are under control for a reasonable amount for three more seasons. Moustakes and Hosmer's values are low, so I wouldn't trade them. Butler is essentially an AL only target. I would be interested in Butler for the Orioles at DH, but the cost in pitching would be too high to justify it.