Winter Meeting Recap: Omar Infante Talks, Say No to Nelson Cruz

Aug 1, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers right fielder Nelson Cruz (17) takes a practice swing before his at bat against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning of a baseball game at the Rangers Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

The first day of the Winter Meetings has passed relatively quietly. There have been plenty of rumors of teams meeting with players and discussing trades, but nothing has happened as of this point. Here is a quick recap of the days rumors as they affect the Royals:

• With the Royals still seeking a middle of the order bat, one of the names that has occasionally been brought up is Nelson Cruz. However, at this point, the Royals are not among the teams to speak with his representatives, with the Rangers, Orioles and Mariners in the mix. Considering that Cruz has one full season in his last five years and is coming off a 50 game suspension for PEDs, he may be one of the last players the Royals should be looking at.
• However, there is news of a player that the Royals could be interested in. The Royals are thought to be one of the teams interested in Omar Infante, who is expected to sign soon. Infante provides a solid defensive option at second, while bringing to the Royals a player with an excellent ability to put the ball in play. He may not walk much, nor hit for much power, but Infante could be an upgrade at second. His presence would also allow the Royals to put Emilio Bonifacio back in the utility role that he has thrived in in the past.
• Meanwhile, with the Royals seemingly in pursuit of an upgrade at second base, there are a couple of second basemen that have become available for trade. The New York Mets have made Daniel Murphy available, while their division rivals, the Atlanta Braves, have made Dan Uggla available. Uggla has been absolutely brutal in every way aside from hitting home runs over the past three years, but he has been able to draw a walk and hit for power. Murphy, meanwhile, has minimal power but can actually hit the ball. Let’s just avoid Uggla and keep Murphy as a secondary option.
• One more player listed on the trade block that could be on the theoretical Royals radar is Mark Trumbo. Instead of fancy analysis, I will give you three words: No. Just, no. Ok, more than three words. Trumbo has a power bat, but he strikes out a lot and provides virtually nothing elsewhere. With better options at right, first and designated hitter, there would be no point in going after Trumbo. Just stay away Dayton!

There is the recap for the Royals Monday at the Winter Meetings. The Hot Stove may heat up a bit more over the next couple of days.