First-year Royals general manager Dayton Moore made a lot of noise when he first arrived in Kansas City. Moore immediately increased the team’s speed with the trade acquisition of center fielder Joey Gathright and bolstered the middle of the lineup trading for Ryan Shealy. Things were supposed to get better in the offseason for the team that lost 100 games last year, but so far Moore has been quiet. Don’t expect the silence to continue. Moore looks to have his hand in something.
Trade rumors have Moore trying to deal erratic reliever Ambiorix Burgos to the Mets in exchange for starter Brian Bannister. Bannister, 26, would join Odalis Perez, Luke Hudson, and Jorge De la Rosa on the team’s rotation. There is a fifth spot open and Moore is actively looking to fill it. If the Bannister name rings a bell, that is because Floyd Bannister, Brian’s dad pitched for the Royals during the 1998 and 1999 seasons.
As far as filling that fifth spot in the rotation, Moore has reportedly offered veteran outfielder Reggie Sanders for Orioles right-handed starter Rodrigo Lopez. The Orioles appear to be more interested in Emil Brown.
Lopez does not seem to be an intriguing option; he led the American League in losses last season finishing 9-18 with a 5.90 ERA.
Most team officials continue to talk at the Disney World resort hotel where the baseball annual meetings are being held.
