AboutJohn Brocato Expertise I`ve been a fan of the team for 17years! Even though I live near St. Louis, I make one trip each year to Kauffman Stadium. I`ve also seen the team play in Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and St. Louis.
Expert: John Brocato Date: 7/11/2002 Subject: Getting back in the Game
Question I understand about the Royals being a small market team and that we are cutting payroll next year, but i think we should clean house (ie Tucker and Hernandez) and start with some decent youth. Could we also be interested in trading them (I hear the Indians are interested in sending some players out). Basically what could we do if the strike is avoided to get back into contention.
Answer First of all, I believe that trading Hernandez would be a mistake. Closers are often tough to find, and the Royals struggled at that position for several years.
The players I would try to trade are Tucker (who didn't do much for me his first time in KC), Perez, and Mayne. Those three are eating over $8 million in payroll, and none are hitting over .240. In addition, the Royals have prospects like shortstop Angel Berroa, Juan Brito, and several others, in addition to hopefully Mark Quinn returning healthy. I doubt Knoblauch is tradeable due to health concerns, but I don't expect him back next year anyway.
The Royals have to upgrade the pitching, and frankly I think Glass is going to have to spend the money to get this done. So far this year the Royals have 3 wins by starters other than Suppan and Byrd (2 by May, 1 by Asencio). Durbin has had arm problems, and Chris George has been a bust. I have been a Royals fan long enough to be skeptical about the farm system, and even more skeptical about deadline-day trades (of all the young A's pitchers in 1999, we get Blake Stein?!?).
In short, I am concerned that the club will be in perpetual mediocrity until the payroll is upped. Furthermore, if the Royals do not have a winning record in either 2003 and/or 2004 (which would then void the escape clause in Sweeney's contract), I am concerned that will be the last straw for MLB in Kansas City.
