Royals Update

Brandon Duckworth accepted an assignment to Omaha. He'll receive a Spring Training invite and presumably battle for one of spots at the back end of the rotation or as a long term reliever. The Royals moved Duckworth off the 40-man roster so they could place Brett Tomko on it. For now, Hillman is calling Tomko his number four starter. Sounds like Moore and Hillman discussed this with Tomko before they signed him. But it sounds like they said it would happen in "a perfect scenario." Of course, that leaves a lot of wiggle room.

Esteban German signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Royals recently, avoiding arbitration. The funny thing about German is, when we signed him, he was viewed as the successor to Mark Grudzielanek at second base. While he has played 82 games at second since coming to Kansas City before the 2006 season, he has also played every other infield position (except catcher) and every outfield position except for right field. Part of the reason is because he's proven that he can be a valuable utility man while being adequate with the glove when out of position. Part of the reason is because Grudzielanek is still with the Royals. But with the trade for Alberto Callaspo, you have to wonder if Moore hasn't already decided that German isn't the second baseman of the future.

The Royals are saying that Ryan Shealy is healthy. And Moore isn't ready to write Shealy off after a horrible 2007 season. Here's what Moore is quoted as saying Jeffrey Flanagan's column: "We still believe that Ryan can be a valuable part of this team. Last year you can just throw out. He had the hamstring problems, the broken bone in his foot. He was never himself. You can't make any judgments off that season." I hope he's right. If Shealy can come back strong, then presumably Billy Butler wouldn't see nearly as much time at first base, but it would mean that Butler would be the DH most nights--something Hillman says he's isn't fond of. He'd rather share the love at DH.

With Shealy, Billy Butler, and Ross Gload already on the roster, the writing seems to be on the wall for Mike Sweeney. We have no room at the inn.