I would start with Elvis Andrus and Chris Davis. Andrus is a speedy, contact-hitting SS who is already in AA ball at only 19 with decent defensive range. Davis is a power-hitting third baseman whom we could play at either third or first base (the Rangers have been playing him at first, with Blalock at third). Sickels had those two 3rd and 4th in the Rangers’ farm system going into this year, with B+ grades. Davis is MLB-ready, but Andrus won’t be until at least 2010.

Davis would be higher on my list than Andrus, simply because if need be, we could get by with with Aviles and Callaspo next year in the middle infield positions and be fine, but we still have a gaping hole at 1b/dh, where Billy Butler is our only true offensive threat. Davis would solve that in a heartbeat.

I know Taylor Teagarden is arguably the best prospect in the Rangers system, and I know a lot of people here at RR would like to see the Royals upgrade at catcher, but I have my doubts about him—his stock has fallen significantly this year and he has reportedly had some issues with staying healthy. If we are interested in bagging a catcher, Max Ramirez is coming off of a monster year for the Rangers’ AA club. He could likely benefit from another few months in the minors, which could buy us time next year in determining whether or not John Buck should remain as our #1 catcher for the long-term. Ramirez’s defense is light-years behind Buck’s, though.

Given the hauls that guys like Dan Haren have fetched lately, I would expect at least two elite prospects plus a low-level throw-in, or one elite prospect plus two decent prospects. Greinke still has the upside necessary to become a staff ace, he has two more years of being under club control (during which time he is extremely affordable), and his physical health has remained excellent.

If the Rangers were to offer me Davis, Ramirez, and a mid-level throw-in for Greinke, I’d probably go for it, assuming that we could not sign Zack to an extension.

lonestar ball today and they had a rumor up that the Yankees are coming after Greinke in the offseason. I don’t know if this is purely speculative or not. I for one don’t think Greinke will sign an extension to stay with the Royals.

Trade rumors about the Rockies looking for an ace. They have alot of interesting prospects. If we could somehow get Dexter Fowler…..wow. I am not saying we could get him but the kid is awesome..

I think that Davis alone for Greinke may be tough. Davis has his right arm tattooed “I’ll hit 40 home runs " , and his left arm is tattooed "in a bad year.” I would keep Zack if he was willing to sign long-term right now, but if not then I think the Royals should get as many good young minor league players as possible. I think Zach would fetch Max Ramirez, Joaquin Arias, Engel Beltre and a Michael Main or someone close. That’s a deal I would do on either side.