The Royals are on the rise, but it's not happening this year. Let's review their primary trade candidates.
- The Royals are pushing Melky Cabrera rather than Jeff Francoeur, wrote Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports yesterday. However, SI's Jon Heyman tweeted today that the Royals are not anxious to trade either outfielder, with both expected back next year. Francoeur has a mutual option, while Cabrera will be arbitration eligible. Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi wrote recently that the Phillies and Angels have shown interest in Cabrera, while the Giants have light interest.
- Heyman finds infielder Wilson Betemit more likely to be dealt. The FOX writers noted the Brewers' interest a couple of days ago. The Pirates make some sense as well, in my opinion.
- Southpaw Jeff Francis owns a 4.62 ERA in 122 2/3 innings and should draw interest. Likewise for Bruce Chen. Francis has not been linked to any specific teams yet, but during the offseason the Pirates, Rangers, and Yankees were among the teams in on him.
- The Royals would let righty Jeff Suppan go to any team seeking big league help, tweets Heyman. The 36-year-old veteran has a 4.68 ERA, 4.9 K/9, 2.3 BB/9, and 1.3 HR/9 in 115 1/3 Triple-A innings this year.
