News and Notes and a Dayton Moore Chat Recap

Even though we’re winding down for the 2011 season, there’s still a lot to look forward to related to Royals baseball.  There should be some movement in the free agent market and even some trade discussions.

Additionally, the fall and winter leagues will determine where a lot of next year’s minor leaguers will be assigned to start 2012.

With that in mind, the Kansas City Star conducted a chat with Dayton Moore and he addressed a great deal of questions.

Highlights:

• As far as finding a starter, Moore stated that the Royals would look internally first, then seek out trades and finally, get into the free agent market.  While there are options available as free agents, trading could be a better option to target a player the Royals feel fits better rather than sift through what’s available in a signing.
• Moore was surprised by the quick ascent of Sal Perez, but also thinks he has the bat control to hit for average.
• Chris Getz has a spot on this team “as we’re constructed today”.
• No player is untouchable in a trade, including Billy Butler and Joakim Soria.  Moore gets this question all the time, so it’s no surprise that he gave the usual “we’ll evaluate how it improves our team” answer, but other answers suggested that Moore’s emphasis on the #3 and #4 hitters would make Butler less likely to be dealt.
• Aaron Crow will be evaluated as a starter this spring. Greg Holland likely won’t.  Even Nate Adcock has a shot at the team, but they’ll monitor his development in the Arizona Fall League.
• The organization will have a better idea of where Bubba Starling’s path will be after 500+ at bats.  My guess is he’ll do a bit instructional work and perhaps reach Burlington sometime early in the year.  He’ll get to that 500th at bat early next year on that time frame.
• Moore loves the makeup of the team and feels that Jeff Francoeur is a big part of it and that Ned Yost is helping shape their identity as well.  I can’t disagree with that, and the collection of young talent learning to be big leaguers at the same time has to be energizing for everyone on the team.  It’s fun to watch, at least.

Additionally, Moore talked about Lorenzo Cain, Johnny Giavotella and more, but you can read the whole transcript here.