I initially was very hesitant to mention this at all as I don't like to kiss and tell, but I met a guy yesterday who is VERY close to the Royals' situation, who CONFIRMED that the Royals are very involved in using advanced statistical analysis, to the point that various statistical services (specifically, SportVision and Stats, Inc.) indicated that the Royals are one of the more proactive teams with respect to this...indicated that DM is very open minded about any and all ways to evaluate major-league talent, including advanced stats...said the Royals have been chasing Paulino for a couple of years.

It may sound somewhat unbelievable, but given the fact that there are others that I know that are close to the Royals that know this individual, I believe what he's saying, especially when I discovered this individual's background.

I hate to be so cryptic but I don't want to compromise anyone's confidentiality and I thought it would be an interesting nugget for discussion.