The Royals finally cut a deal that sent closer Octavio Dotel to Atlanta. The pitcher they got in exchange, Kyle Davies, really, truly, absolutely couldn’t be a better fit for the Royals. Why, you ask? Because the 23-year-old is another could’ve-been-great pitcher who burned out early. He’ll join a team that – in the David Glass era – has gotten used to such wasted talent.
Here’s a little recap of the Royals-style meltdown of Kyle Davies.
The Braves drafted him right out of high school in 2001 from Stockbridge, Georgia. He became a group of young players called up in 2005 who were called the “Baby Braves.” During his first start in 2005, he smoked the Red Sox for six innings on a rainy night at Fenway. He began 2006 as a starter but suffered a groin injury that led to him filling that role in 14 games that year.
Davies got his shot at the bigs again this year. In 17 starts, however, he won only four games, lost eight and posted an ERA of 5.76. Fed up, the Braves sent him back to the minors on July 19.
The Royals plan to make Davies a starter. According to what he’s done so far, he has the stats and history to join the burnout likes of Dan Reichert, Jeff Austin, Chris George, Kyle Snyder, Jimmy Gobble and, of course, Zach Greinke. At least he’s in good company. – Eric Barton
