That’s a retarded idea. As much as I hate pitchers that pitches on “smart” like Bannister, I don’t hate them quite as bad as an average-below average CF that can’t hit. Especially if it pushes an equal defensive CF in DeJesus in to left where his bat is worth a lot less.

This is a great deal for us. Bannister is 27 and pans out to be an average MLB player from what we’ve seen. Cabrera is 23 and has been in the league for 3 years. He came up as a 19 year old in the NY spotlight. A relaxation of media attention could be just what he needs. He’ll be under our control for several more years. These are the beginning of the prime of his athletic days. I think it’s worth a shot. Maybe we can throw Olivo in becuase they are looking for a catcher and get one of their pitching prospects.

What do you think?

Why would the Royals want a very light hitting OFer? His defense is pretty good, but not great. And his hitting is poor, even for a CFer.

2006 .752 OPS
2007 .718
2008 .657

I know he’s just 23, but I don’t see growth or improvement there. He still might improve, but to where? A .730 OPS? Sounds like a competent 4th OFer and no more than that. As a starting OFer, he stinks. Am I missing something here? Bannister is not a great pitcher. I’m not against trading him for the right return. But this would be selling very low. And it would be adding another all-defense, no-hit player to the lineup (probably as a fixture for years). That makes no sense. Just because Dutton reports it, doesn’t mean it is true. So I’m going to reserve my DM criticism unless and until this happens. But if it does happen, I’m going to lose it.

Here are his 162 game averages….

.269 batting average
74 runs
156 hits
26 doubles
4 triples
10 home runs
66 RBI
15 for 20 SB
.332 OB
.378 SLG
.710 OBSLG

Sounds very similar to DeJesus through 3 seasons. Just .010 on the batting average and 3 or 4 more homers and 10 more SB. Don’t forget he’s only 23. He will hit the prime of his career. I think it’s a great trade for us.

There is no way he compares to Gathright.

Why would the Royals want Melky Cabrera? Especially with Maier in the mix now. Cabrera is not as good as DeJesus, Teahen or Guillen and the Royals already have three perfectly good 4th outfielder candidates. Plus there is no obvious candidate to replace Bannister in the rotation at this point. No way should they trade Bannister just to upgrade their bench.

If this really is a trade being discussed I find it a head scratcher. The Royals don’t need any more roster fillers. If they are going to make a trade they should go for Jason Bay.

Will Olivo keep his type B status sitting on the bench behind Buck and starting every fifth game? If so, keep him. Otherwise, I say we package him with Banni, move them both, get back two pitching prospects and a 23 year old OF who his better than anyone is giving him credit for. He’s an upgrade over Gathright. Our OF would be DeJesus, Cabrera, Guillen. We have Esteban on the bench and Gload on the bench. It makes us a better team I think.

Here is our 40 man OF’s. Who would Cabrera be better than?
DeJesus. No.
Teahan. Half the strikeouts, equal in average, less power, more SBs. ? Defensively?
Guillen. No.
Maier. Yes.
Gathright. Yes.
Costa. Yes.

Does that improve our team? Offensively and Defensively, yes. Pitching wise… no. But in all honesty. Banni will only be on the NYY roster for the rest of this season until they think Hughes and Kennedy are ready. We’ll be able to get Banni back through a MiLB trade if it’s that big of a deal.

We may be worse catching wise… but catching is a defensive position and any offensive is a bonus. Plus that backup would only be catching day after night games. Which amounts to one or two a week max. Just like now. I like Olivo. He’s great for our club. But I think it’d help us to move him and Banni for Cabrera and pitching prospects.

does anyone know if we signed any international kids yet? Much ado about Iona and I haven’t heard a thing about the Royals.

That would’ve been a good trade from the Royals end.

Bannister for Cabrera, not so much…...

Any rumor of this in the NY papers or talk shows?

I posted it farther up, but I think it bears repeating. I’d take Buck over Olivo because of his attitude and dedication to the Kansas City Royals. Buck’s attitude of whatever it takes to make his pitchers better is far better than I wish I was starting somewhere and I can’t do it here Olivo. Buck will do whatever it takes for his pitchers. As a former pitcher, that’s what you want and it makes you much more comfortable to be throwing to a catcher like that. He seems to have a better relationship with his pitchers. Did anyone see him lastnight sitting with Meche in the dugout? He was also with another pitcher but I can’t remember who it was. Not to mention the guy let a pitcher SHAVE his head…. that’s nuts.

PS. I played with Ziegler and he’s a great guy but let’s beat the tar out of his A’s. And I played with Dallas Braden and we all hated him so let’s beat the snot out of him. (he may have changed since then…) I hope we put up 12 by the 3rd inning.

But I did play legion with Ziegler one year. I’m three years younger than him. I played with Dallas in the New York Collegiate Baseball League. I hope he’s cleaned up a bit… I never made it professionally…. to many 6’1” RHP who throw 88-92. I’ve kept in touch with Ziegler but not Braden.

live down by Springfield MO. I’d love to catch a game though if I’m ever up that way.