Royals Head Into a Quiet 2011 MLB Trade Deadline Eve

With Beltran and Pence being moved, that took the Giants and Phillies out of the equation.

The Braves are still looking for OF help but the potential targets Quentin, Bourn, Ludwick and Willingham are either better than Melky and Frenchy or much cheaper.

That leaves the Indians and Pirates as potential buyers. However, these teams aren’t willing to give up much of anything.

Look what Jerry Hairston brought—the tenth prospect in the worst minor league system in baseball, a C+ totally fringy outfield. Frenchy’s not going to command much beyond that. Melky’s worth more, but no one really believes his performance this year. In addition, DM is handicapped by both players having been Braves, left on their asses, and completely unwelcome back there. I think Melky for another year + a possible comp pick after 2012 is worth more than any likely package DM will be offered. Melky/Gordon/Cain would be a perfectly decent OF to enter next year with.

As far as starters go, I think it is pretty tough to get teams all that interested in a guy like Francis while a pitcher like Doug Fister is available. I can still see Francis being moved.

The guy I think COULD be moved is Aviles. There are enough teams looking for middle infield help that he could be a decent fill in.

My guess for trades three weeks ago was Betemit, Francis, and Aviles. I think that’s still a possible outcome, although I am a now lot less hopefuli on Francis/Aviles than I was.

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2011/7/1/2252917/prospect-of-the-day-yamaico-navarro-3b-boston-red-sox

a 23 yr old light hitting IF utility guy and a 23 year old high-A reliever. Organizational filler.

Dayton destroyed Aviles’s trade value for weeks and then dealt him for filler.

http://www.soxprospects.com/players/volz-kendal.htm

Volz possesses a heavy 88-91 MPH fastball that he tries to work down in the strike zone. Fastball shows late finish and downward action. At its best when spotted low on the corners and out of the middle of the plate. Volz has cleaned up his delivery to reduce strain on his arm. Uses a 77-81 MPH slider to generate swings and misses later in the count. Currently an average offering, but potential for him to sharpen into more of a power slider. Sprinkles in a low-80s straight changeup to keep batters honest. After being stretched out in first professional season as a starter, the organization has moved Volz into a bullpen role where his stuff plays up much better. Profiles as a 6th/7th inning reliever with further sharpening of arsenal and command.

“Really nice deal for the Royals.” Two good players for an “up and down utilityman.”

“Two decent prospects. Navarro is kinda like Aviles… a 23 year old version of the guy you’re trading with more upside.”

“Volt a first round type in draft, remade himself into a good relief prospect.”

“Not big upside guys.”

   Not initially a heralded signing, Navarro has impressed the Sox brass during his rise up the organizational ladder. He has an athletic build for a shortstop, with a little bit of bulk. At the plate, he makes good contact and generates great loft off his bat, resulting in a lot of hard liners. Above-average power for a middle infielder. Quick wrists, nice bat speed, great balance. Hits fastballs better than breaking balls. A little too aggressive at the plate, could stand to be more selective. Average speed. Has the tools to be a plus defender at shortstop and third base, also has some experience at second base. Sure glove, above-average arm, excellent fluidity. But the focus and effort is not always there defensively. He has also had some problems with executing double plays, but that seems to be improving. Entertaining to watch, turns a lot of gems in the field with an Ozzie Smith-like electricity. To expand his versatility, the front office began giving Navarro reps at all three outfield positions with Pawtucket in 2011.