David DeJesus - To Trade, or not to Trade...

With the trade deadline approaching, Kansas City fans are hopeful that players like Jose Guillen can be moved elsewhere for something (ANYTHING) to make way for a young player - maybe even the return of Alex Gordon in his new role as a corner outfielder.  Is that a pipe dream?  Maybe...maybe not.  Guillen is hitting this year, and if KC will pony up a few million dollars towards his salary, I think a trade partner could be found.  I'm not sure the team would receive much of value in return, but it may be valuable enough to give a player in Omaha the chance he won't get as long as Guillen is wearing Royal blue.

The real value on the trade market for the Royals lies with fan favorite (and one of the best, most consistent Kansas City players over the past several seasons) David DeJesus.  And according to rumors, there is interest in DDJ.  An article by Nick Cafardo at Boston.com regarding possible player trades says the following about DeJesus:

A solid offensive player who can play all three outfield positions, he is affordable at $4.7 million, with an option for next season at $6 million. The Red Sox, Yankees, and Padres are possible bidders, but the Royals are said to be asking for more return than is acceptable to the suitors.

Some fans will surely wonder why Dayton Moore would ask for too much...pricing himself out of any trade at all (I've seen the argument online at various fan communities).  Personally, I say "Good for you, Dayton."  Why not shoot for the moon?  Should we settle for whatever a team will give us?  I say no.  We've seen that before (too many times).  Johnny Damon, Jermaine Dye (Neifi Perez, anyone?), Carlos Beltran...the list goes on. 

DeJesus is a valuable player.  He can play defense - and not just league average defense - GREAT defense.  He can play all three outfield positions.  He can hit...and he's on FIRE right now.  Look at the numbers then tell me a team in contention wouldn't benefit from DDJ's services.  You can't tell me that, can you?  He would be a fantastic (and affordable) addition to several teams.  And if Dayton Moore is asking for "too much," well...so be it.  We can always keep him and exercise his option for 2011 (at a very reasonable $6 million).  God forbid we got stuck with the guy because Dayton won't settle for any offer Boston or New York sends his way.  If a big payday isn't in the cards, then I'd rather the Royals keep the player who could easily be their All-Star representative in 2010 (in my opinion).

Not to mention, the only guy more popular on the team is probably Zack Greinke.  Fans love DeJesus, and with good reason, he an approachable and likable guy...who, by the way, plays some damn good baseball.

The teams mentioned above by Cafardo aren't the only interested parties...I would bet plenty of general managers will come calling (the last rumor I saw mentioned the Giants).  DeJesus is a great fit for many teams out there (including the Royals).  Let the bidding begin.

Granderson on the block?

According to a Fox Sports article posted today, the Tigers are taking offers for Curtis Granderson. The team has already reportedly shopped pitcher Edwin Jackson around as well. Are the Tigers cutting salary? Do they not believe in Jackson?

In other news (and more relevant to this particular blog), the Royals have given the starting third base job to Alex Gordon. He has by no means earned it...but hey...nothing this team does makes a whole lot of sense (that Teahen trade was the first positive move I've seen in about two years).

The same report says the team is comfortable with newly acquired Josh Fields playing left field should they find a trade partner willing to make a play for David DeJesus. I could see this happening. He's cheap ($4.7 million this year), was in the running for a Gold Glove this year, and is a very consistent hitter. A solid guy who plays a solid game, and at a pretty good cost.

Maybe the Royals should ship DDJ off to the Motor City in a package deal for Granderson? Dejesus and Callaspo for Granderson, perhaps? Sounds better to me than that sickening rumor of Callaspo to the Dodgers for 28 year old catcher (who happens to be a career minor leaguer with no power).

I love DeJesus...but if we can get something for him...well...like DM said the other day (about our beloved Royals) - "It's not working." No. It's not working. And shipping off these long time players like Teahen, DeJesus, Buck, etc., who have known nothing but losing may be a step in the right direction.