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[Updated at 9:49 PM]
Here we are again. It's simulation time. For the third year running, I am the General Manager of the Kansas City Royals--or at least of the Shadow Royals. As in the prior two years, I'll keep people apprised of the Shadow Royals' progress (I assure you, there is still a end of year wrap-up coming).
Max's offseason simulation started at 7:00 PM on Sunday night.
Of course I made a deal well before the sim started. Call me Dayton Moore without the flag flying over the Hall of Fame.
Move #1
Royals trade starting pitcher Jason Vargas and pitching prospects Christian Binford and Cody Reed to the Chicago Cubs for starting pitcher Edwin Jackson, infielder Luis Valbuena, and $6MM--$4MM in 2015 and $2MM in 2016.
Royals orders of business
The Royals bought out the final year of Billy Butler's contract, costing them $1.0MM.
The Royals exercise their club option on Wade Davis, committing $7.0MM to the reliever in 2015.
The Royals non-tender Jayson Nix.
The Royals extend a Qualifying Offer to James Shields.
Move #2
The Royals send closer Greg Holland to the Boston Red Sox for outfielder Allen Craig, pitching prospect Brian Johnson, and $5.0MM--$1.5MM in 2016, and $3.5MM in 2017.
Cue outrage.
Irons are in the fire. I'll keep y'all posted.