LM:  Can you give me a rational explanation of why the Royals traded for a player like Coco Crisp, making the salary he does, that doesn't involve sugar cubes and absinthe?

BD: The Royals wanted a speedier center fielder for what is a big outfield at Kauffman Stadium. Crisp fits that. He also played well in the second half last season, which suggests -- if you're an optimist -- that he might finally be fully recovered from his injury. If so, he could make a major impact. If not, well, he won't.

The money part, I'll admit, surprised me. That $5.75 million is a big chunk for the Royals and puts their projected payroll, as the roster currently stands, at about $70 million. That's a franchise record by more than $10 million.
 

LM:  Is there any chance that New Jersey's #1 son, David DeJesus, is available in a trade now? We've often heard his name discussed in trade rumors, but never knew if he was legitimately available.  Would Moore even listen?

BD:  As for being available in trade...yes, he is. But he's got a very favorable contract, and the Royals probably over-value him in relation to the market. They would want a young, ready-now, impact player in return.  Not a couple of Double-A guys or something.

I think DeJesus is a good player who can play a regular role on a contender, but he's got some holes, too. He doesn't provide a lot of power or speed. He's been a little injury-prone, too. But the Royals have a stiff price, and I don't see them lowering it for DeJesus. I could be wrong, of course - I didn't think the Royals could afford to add Coco Crisp's salary.
 

LM:   According to most defensive metrics, DeJesus was above average in CF defensively (save for the first half of 2008), yet from everything we've read it seemed like the Royals were actively seeking to move him out of CF. To your eye, were the defensive metrics wrong, or was there another absinthe party?

BD: The Royals believe DeJesus' skills in center are a result of smarts, i.e., getting good reads, jumps, etc. His speed is OK but nothing special.

Kauffman Stadium is a big outfield since they pushed back the fences.  The Royals would prefer a speedier center fielder and believe DeJesus, with his skill set, will be above average (maybe well above average) in left.  I can see the reasoning, but I also believe DeJesus, at least at this point in his career, is above average in center field.
 

LM:  Zack Greinke is a guy that has Yankee fans torn when discussions of trading for him arise. We recognize his incredible skills and his affable personality, but are fearful about how he might respond to the fishbowl that is NYC. At NoMaas we don't usually put too much stock in the "it's tough playing in New York" excuses for players, but given Greinke's medical diagnosis, it raises some questions for fans. Are those concerns legitimate, and just how far apart are he and the Royals on the longterm deal they've been discussing?

BD: Greinke has had no problems since he began taking medication for social anxiety and clinical depression. In fact, he's put his career back on the fast track. I think he will develop into a legit No. 1 guy in a rotation.

Also, the medical diagnosis indicated Greinke never had any problems from pitching at Yankee Stadium or Fenway or whatever. His problems stemmed strictly from interpersonal interaction.  My feeling is Greinke would prefer to stay in Kansas City. He is comfortable here, which is more important to him than most players. But he's not going to stay for a below-market contract...certainly not for a substantial below-market contract.  If the Royals can't sign him to an extension by this time next year, I would expect them to start shopping him. But not at this point. He's still not eligible for free agency until after the 2010 season.
 

LM:  Concerning Billy Butler, we read about how bad he is defensively in both scouting reports and defensive metrics, but we're curious about the perspective of someone who watches every game.

BD: Butler is below average defensively but he's not as bad as he's often portrayed. He's better than Ryan Howard or Prince Fielder. (Yes, I understand those guys are substantially better hitters at this point.)
 

LM:  Finally, with the financial crisis looming, have you seen any evidence that it has/will affect the Royals' offseason moves in any fashion? What are the general needs, or what is it that the Royals are looking to cquire/accomplish this winter?

BD:  The Royals have already made two major trades to bolster an inconsistent offense. Acquiring Crisp and first baseman Mike Jacobs might not seem like big news in New York, but both moves figure to help.

As noted above, I think the Royals are pretty close to being tapped out financially. That suggests any further significant moves will also be through trades and not the free-agent market.
 

Bob Dutton started working at the Kansas City Star in 1982 and began covering the Royals in 1991.  Since 2000 he has been the paper's full-time beat reporter for the team. Bob can be reached by e-mail at BDutton@KCStar.com.