Winter Meetings Wrapup: Billy Butler Trade? Reds Interested in Infante

Sep 13, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Kansas City Royals designated hitter Billy Butler (16) breaks his bat in the second inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Well, after four days, the Winter Meetings have come and gone. Despite statements by Dayton Moore stating that the Royals would be active during this time frame, nothing really happened. However, there were some interesting rumors that came out of today.

• The rumors that Billy Butler may be traded could actually be accurate. It has been reported that the Royals and Blue Jays have discussed the possibility of moving Butler and unnamed prospects to Toronto; however, there is no word as to what the Blue Jays would send to Kansas City. Jose Bautista would be nice if Toronto would be willing to accommodate. After all, if you are going to dream, may as well dream big.
• In a follow up to the possibility of a Billy Butler trade, it is thought that, should they part ways with Butler, that the Royals may target Nelson Cruz. While this would get Cruz out of the field, this would still mean acquiring Nelson Cruz. Unless trading Butler really brings back Bautista, there is no reason to move Butler to bring in Cruz. This just has disaster written all over it.
• The Royals have already been thought of as possible trade partners with the Cincinnati Reds for Brandon Phillips. Now, word has come out that the Reds may be interested in Omar Infante. There is something to be said for cornering the market in a commodity, but do the Reds really need both Infante and Phillips? This may be a ploy to drive the value up on Phillips in a possible trade.
• The Rule V Draft was earlier today as well. In the draft, the Royals lost Tyler Sample in the minor league portion of the draft. The 24 year old Sample has spent the seasons pitching for the Wilmington Blue Rocks, with less than stellar results. Overall in his minor league career, Sample has a 20-43 record with a 5.18 ERA. While he has struck out eight batters per nine innings in his time in the minors, Sample has also walked almost six batters per nine innings and has a career WHiP of 1.616. Meanwhile, the Royals drafted….no one.

That concludes our coverage of the Winter Meetings. While things were quiet this year, the Royals were quiet last year during the meetings as well, but acquired James Shields three days later. Perhaps Moore has a move coming soon.