Royals general manager Dayton Moore wants his team to compete, even if that means against each other. Looks like last year’s starter behind the plate will have some company this season.
Veteran catcher Jason LaRue was acquired by the Royals in a trade with Reds. Kansas City will receive a minor-league player to be determined. LaRue will compete with John Buck as the team’s starting catcher.
“It’s all about competition,” said Moore. “Both guys are very talented. And because of the competition, I think both guys will have very good years.”
The Royals will pick up less than half of LaRue’s salary for 2006. He was selected by the Reds in 1995 and has been in Cincinnati ever since. LaRue started for the Reds from 2001-05, but lost his starting job last season after undergoing surgery to fix a torn meniscus in his right knee.
The veteran catcher enjoyed arguably his best season in 2005 when he batted .260 with 14 home runs and a career-high 60 RBI.
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