Major League Baseball's Winter Meetings have brought more Zack Greinke trade talk. That was expected. At this point, the right-handed pitcher may never wear a Kansas City Royals jersey again.
Negotiations, however, have met a few roadblocks. The Kansas City Star reported that the Royals have been trying to wheel and deal with the Texas Rangers. But those cheap bastards in Texas don't want to give up the farm for Greinke. And go figure, a lot depends on what the New York Yankees do.
The Star reported that the Royals believe the Rangers are low-balling 'em. And the Rangers, they think the Royals are asking for too much for the former American League Cy Young Award-winner.
ESPN baseball scribe Buster Olney reported that "Dayton Moore, the Royals' general manager, is asking for the sun and the moon and first-born male children, plus some really good pitching prospects -- which is what he should do." So fork over some prospects, Texas!
While teams are hoping the price is going to rollback like Royals owner David Glass used to do at Wal-Mart, it's probably not going to happen. Moore isn't in a rush.
"We're going to move slow with it, and (wait) until we get the right type of deal if, indeed, we move on it," Moore told the Star. "It's no different than any other year.
"I could give you examples -- I won't, but I could -- where we've been close to dealing Zack or other players in the past if we got the right pieces. We didn't get the right piece included."
Those pieces are a couple of ready-to-roll prospects (including one pitcher) and a major leaguer or two ready to help the club now.
The Rangers have the pieces, according to the Star: shortstop Jurickson Profar, outfielder Engel Beltre and talented young pitchers. The Rangers aren't going to go all-in on the deal until they know whether free-agent pitcher Cliff Lee is coming back -- or head to the Yankees' bullpen.
The Toronto Blue Jays could blow the whole thing up though if they decide they're willing to trade prospects Kyle Drabek (pitcher) and Travis Snider (outfielder).
Moore's decision to wait is smart. Best not to get screwed on this deal, especially if the Yanks get Lee. Then he's got a lot more leverage. If not, hopefully the Jays are willing to part with their prospects. Either way, getting rid of Greinke is good.
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