Please forward this Dayton Moore and insert Yordano Ventura for Gausman and Johnny Giavotella for Schoop.

A reverse economic argument for things staying as they are is the DH allows mega spenders like Boston and N Y Yankees one more spot at which to throw ridiculous salaries. When Milwaukee moved to the NL, I was a huge advocate of my Royals jumping at that chance. Reason being, I think it's easier to compete in the NL as a small market club than the AL. I also think variety is a good thing and the current sytem serves the players, owners and fans pretty well. Unfortunately, I think you may be right on the outcome as well as all of the economic reasons behind it.

I play in deeper league and appreciate your digging for the AL/NL only types for us. On the subject of Nate Karn, I stashed Christian Garcia earlier this year as a potential guy in DC. How would you compare the two? Thanks...

More is better. We want more. :) Great stuff. Not sure if I'll ever tire of comparing Gausman (who I was hoping would fall to the Royals) and Zimmer as back to back picks. Thanks for another killer reason to subscribe. Q: Cement mixer? Think I know but want to confirm on the lingo.

First, let me preface this by saying I have no problem with your selection of Molina for the current catcher. I'm just curious who else was on the short list. As a KC fan, I love Salvy's throws, but I think alot of his skill is based upon the "pop time". Super quick release... Also, would be curious of short list for IF and OF current MLBers. Thanks...

I think it's far more accurate to predict gains by across the board by young, talented hitters and a full season of Cain than it is to base the 2013 prediction for production on last year's stats. Last year is just that, last year. There are plenty of teams who would like to have that line-up penciled in, especially if they find a solid RF complement to Francouer.

I think the line-up will be fine. At least average overall, especially if they can find a LH hitter to play RF for Frenchy more often than not. Cain Gordon Hosmer Butler Moose Perez RF Giavotella Escobar Some speed, some power, nice LH/RH complements. Obviously, this hinges on Hosmer, Cain, and Moose making gains, but that's solid overall, in my opinion. Lots of teams would like a guy like Escobar in the 9 hole and Gordon in the two hole. Time will tell, but I like the way the line-up is forming up. Of course, I've lived through some horrendous line-ups in recent years so maybe that's just solid from a Royals fan perspective?!?!

As a lifelong Royals fan, I'm feeling two emotions: Shock- they actually did the trade and Fear- because we are conditioned in KC to fear any major move as one that will ultimately hurt the team. lol Trying to stay positive, but it's hard. I agree with the post above that Myers should have brought a pitcher as good as Shields with more time left under the Royal's control or a better pitcher with only two years left. I think the Davis/Odorizzi is too even call with both under control for a significant timeframe and the jury is out Montgomery. Plus, I too wonder about the motivation to "just do something" to try and save jobs. As with all major trades like this, only time will tell. As a tongue-in-cheek comment, maybe this done by Moore to save Frenchy's starting spot.

Derek, some advice please... 5x5 semi-deep league. I traded Edwin Jackson for offense on Wed thinking I was plenty deep in starters until today when Paulino went down. Only waiver options out there that I see: Roy oswalt (eligible next weekend), Jair jurrjens, Travis wood, Travis blackley, and David Phelps. I have $63 of $100 budget left. How much would you bid on each of these options? Thanks in advance... PS: you see any sleeper pickups for future starts? (already have Medlen)

Anyone know a link to see Will Myer's bomb? Thanks...

Would you consider Paulino a prime sell high candidate and do you feel he can hold up throughout the season due to the following factors: A) his aforementioned right forearm strain B) his reliance on his slider C) some regression to the mean Thanks... PS: Asked this question to Daniel Rathman earlier before I read up to your article so this is repeat but thought afterward it's better directed to you.

Would you consider Paulino a prime sell high candidate and do you feel he can hold up throughout the season due to the following factors: A) his aforementioned right forearm strain B) his reliance on his slider Thanks...

I concur with the above comments. Question though: If they decide Craig is too injury prone for anything but 1B, who do you see them sticking with longterm? Do you feel Craig's injury issues are just one of those things or is he becoming someone that needs to be protected from injury? As always, thanks...

Johnny Damon's nickname should be "Overrated". If he didn't play for ESPN's pet teams, he would be just another good player, not a "great one". And no, this isn't sour grapes because he ditched KC. I reserve my sour grapes for superior players like Beltran and Greinke. lol

Derek, concerning being aggressive in the FAAB process, what do you think of Scott Van Slyke carving out a niche in LA due to Rivera's injury and Loney appearing to fall out of favor with Mattingly? What would you suggest as a bid for him in a 15 owner, 22 MLB team league? Thanks...

Kevin, Is there any chance that Middlebrooks (if he's hitting well) will stay up and in the line-up even after Youk returns? Is it a longshot to think Boston moves either Youk or A-Gone to the OF while they are so thin there? Both have been run out there in the past a few times... Thanks...

Thanks Derek. In my head I raised it 15-16, but now thinking your right with 20. Good read on our league, as people do not reach to 40 or 50 unless it's a big name guy traded into the league from the 8 teams we don't use in our league player pool.

Everytime I read an article like this, I hope that none of my leaguemates are subscribers yet. Good stuff. ;) That being said: 5x5 15 team league, using 22 MLB teams, $100 FAAB budget, what would you advice bidding on Santiago? I know alot depends on the "poker play" of the league itself. Was leaning towards $9 or $11 myself... I have Walden, G. Holland, Pestano in line-up with Medlen in reserve currently... Thanks...

I am really struggling with which part of the that statement has more "WOW" factor... The fact that Price hurt his neck 'toweling off' or that he readily admits he has done that before. Maybe a breakout session on Towels: Friend or Foe is in order. lol WOW!!!!

I, too, love the scout's view section. I truly don't feel more "opinion" input from reputable baseball sources such scout's, GM's, players, yourself, etc... will make it gossipy. I can't stand gossip to the point that I spend my lunch (like now) hunkered down at my desk be myself reading sports and I love the scout's view. If you treat it as what it is, 'One mans opinion', I feel it a good read. Thanks for for being flexible and creative in response your readers as well. Great stuff all around...

How do you see the Cincy C position shaking now? Is Hanigan finally set free or are we looking at a platoon with Mesoraco now? Thanks...

Oh wow, had no idea he was that young. Thanks...

Kevin, it is great to have such a deep and well regarded farm system. With that in mind, would Melville or Sample make the list as well for many other clubs or is their status as prospects slipping? Also, do you have a projected arrival time for Elier Hernandez? Thanks for amping up my excitement as a lifelong Royals fan. Here's to the good times that are ahead of us! Cheers...

I think Escobar and Hosmer will both win gold gloves in their careers. Only places Royal are currently below average are 2B and 3B and Moose has a cannon. If he improves his footwork, he will be above average as well. Perez, at C, has a gun too. He could possibly win a gold glove as well, in my opinion.

I agree, good plan, as I try to do this every year even if I'm in the hunt and have an extra bench spot available which led to getting Parnell earlier this year already. Any chance of producing this list earlier for trade purposes, as all of the guys are taken already in my league as we play a deep roster. Also, as a KC fan and owner of Holland, I think he would be next in line behind Soria as I've heard Crow is most likely in the rotation next season. What are your thoughts on Holland's chances? Thanks...

Fbv = (average) fastball velocity

If Feliz goes down, who are the favorites to take over? Also, does anyone think Campana will play enough to be worth a spec bid in NL only league?

Here's one vote for bold and invigorating! The central race is wide open and I think a number as low as 83-84 wins could be enough. Way to go Royals!!!

I agree. Would have made more sense to give Robinson a shot for a few weeks. But, that being said it is an exciting message being sent to fans, and, more importantly, the organization and players that 'we are playing to win right now'. Royals bashing, as seen, below is about to be a bad memory Edwincnelson. PS: lagniappe? How long have you been waiting to drop that in??? ;). Go Royals!

Jay, while I understand talking only about the rest of the central, it was still wrong not mention the Royals. Playing well, significantly improved up the middle D, better bullpen than anyone in central, and SP help is on the way. If the Indians are being considered contenders, the Royals, who haven't lost a series all season and just split with the tribe, should be mentioned. The days of being irrelevant are over! Thanks and Go Royals!