News came out last night that Royals ace pitcher Zack Greinke has officially requested a trade, the same day he switched agents to the same agent Derek Jeter has-Casey Close. Close is making a name for himself this offseason. I am curious if the Yankees get involved here, since Close is familiar dealing with Yankees GM Brian Cashman.
What would the Yankees have to give up for Greinke? Well, the Royals have previously stated they want a major league starting pitcher and up-the-middle hitters. I don't think the Royals would have interest in Eduardo Nunez as the headliner for a deal, but I am sure the Royals would be happy to take a few of the Yankees pitching prospects like Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances or Hector Noesi, along with Jesus Montero and Nunez.
The Yankees won't be the only team involved as the Rangers, Angels, Dodgers, Brewers and Blue Jays have been linked to Greinke. i wonder if Royals GM Dayton Moore lowers his asking price for Greinke to ensure he gets a deal done.
More after the jump:
The Angels have made an offer to third baseman Adrian Beltre, and stated it was a "significant" offer, but it remains to be seen if it topped the A's offer from several weeks ago, and by how much, The A's offered Beltre a 5 year, $64 million deal. There have to be more teams in on Beltre, right? The guy is 31 years old and is the best defensive third baseman in baseball and can be counted on for 25-80-.270 every year.
The Nationals are pursuing first baseman Derrek Lee. I think the Nats are smart for pursuing him as he could add some experience and stability to the young clubhouse, and help protect Ryan Zimmerman in the lineup. Lee is coming off a down year in 2010, hitting just .260-.347-.428 with 19 HRs and 80 RBIs. Lee has certainly dropped in the fantasy first base rankings over the past few years and I think fantasy owners shouldn't expect much more than his 2010 stats in 2011.
The Nationals traded outfielder Josh Willingham to the A's on Thursday for two minor leaguers. Why teams like the Phillies and Dodgers weren't talking to the Nats is beyond me. Both teams were looking for right-handed power hitting outfielders. The cost was just two minor league prospects.
The Padres signed second baseman Orlando Hudson to a 2 year deal on Friday. I am curious why GM Jed Hoyer would sign Hudson for two years, but Hoyer's philosophy is to build the team around pitching and defense, and with the addition of Cameron Maybin in centerfield, Jason Bartlett at SS, and now Hudson to play 2B, the Padres will be a very good defensive team again in 2011. Of course, that doesn't help fantasy owners, but it is good to know for future reference where Hoyer's focus is. I wonder if Hoyer will give up defense for a better hitter at the corner infield and outfield going forward.