You knew this was happening, but the Royals dealt their ace, Zach Greinke, for an impressive list of prospects. While short term, you’d think this hurts the team, long term it’s another matter entirely. In return for Greinke (and Betancourt), the Royals are getting Alcides Escobar (your new starting shortstop), Lorenzo Cain (who could make the big league club in the outfield), Jeremy Jeffries (a pitcher and the Brewers first round pick this year) and the Brewers’ top pitching prospect in Jake Odorizzi.
We wish Zach Greinke the best of luck, but now it’s time to move on. We have a nice crop of talent waiting in the wings and the AL Central is still one of the weaker divisions so I like the Royals chances beginning in say, 2013, of finally competing with the likes of the Tigers, Twins and White Sox.