KC Royals Potential Departures, Vol. 2: Lorenzo Cain

Sustainability?

That’s the problem with trying to categorize local demigods—so much of LoCain’s value lies in his status as team leader, lightning rod, good luck charm and smiling, benevolent face. You can use any system you like to measure his offensive and defensive value; his overall value to the organization and community can’t be tidily measured with sabermetrics.

He’ll be all that and then some regardless of how many zeroes are in the contract, nor in what ZIP Code he ultimately calls home. He’s one of baseball’s great ambassadors. That’s not a thing you can quantify with money.

Intangibly, it’s hard to imagine Cain not maintaining his status as a leader in the organization. Is he still going to be able to hit .280 and play fringe Gold Glove defense? And do you want Dayton Moore to invest a significant amount of time and money into finding out?

Ties to other organizations or areas of the country?

Born in Valdosta, Georgia, raised and went to school in Florida, lives in Norman, Oklahoma in the offseason (wife is from Norman and he trains at OU). Braves, Rays and Rangers would be the three location biggest threats. Except for the fact that the Braves and Rays don’t spend and the Rangers have $18 million still wrapped up in Prince Fielder next season.