Scotty Pods goes to Hollywood

I've been busy the last several days and just flew into Houston, so much has happened to blog about since I last touched base. But most notably was the Royals trading Scott Podsednik to the Dodgers for two minor leaguers. I'll be blunt in my thoughts about this trade: Absolutely can't go wrong in this deal. 

Considering what the Royals got Podsednik for in the offseason--One year, $1.6 million, and what he produced for them in 95 games .310/.353/.400 with 30 stolen bases, he was a great pick-up. And the fact that they were able to get a couple prospects at the deadline for him was gravy. 

The two prospects the Royals received are Lucas May and Elisaul Pimentel. May is a 25-year-old Triple-A catcher who played for team USA last summer. By all accounts he appears to be the more major-league ready of the two, but as Rany Jazayerli says, Pimentel is the bigger haul in this deal. 

Pimentel, 22, has struck out 97 batters in 90 innings this season before being traded. The scouting report on Pimentel is that he throws between 89-93 with an average changeup, with a below average breaking ball. Now to me that doesn't sound like much of a haul, but Pimentel's numbers at one point this season were exceptional (71 IP, 44 H, 27 BB, 75 K, 1 HR) some rough starts after that caused his numbers to balloon a bit, but there is definitely something to be desired in what he did through 71 innings. 

If nothing else the Royals got another catcher in the organization that could potentially be a back-up and young live arm in their minor league system--you can never have too many of those. But, more importantly, this deal was about getting something out of player that a lot of teams were not interested in before this offseason and was playing on a minor-league contract with the White Sox, if you can believe that. Yes, the Royals got exactly what they wanted out of Podsednik and I commend them for it. If only we could do this more often, or better yet if only we were in a division race in which Podsednik would've been a very valuable leadoff man in. 

With Scotty Pods gone roaming the outfield in Los Angeles, this clears up room for Alex Gordon to play left field every day for the club, and hopefully allows Mitch Maier to gain back some playing time. The next move for the Royals will hopefully be to move Jose Guillen if possible. (If not I would think he would clear waivers and be moved at the end of August) By any measure that should allow my man-crush, Kila Ka'aihue to be called up and play everyday as a DH/1B. 

If the Royals can finish the season looking like this: 

LF-Gordon

CF-Ankiel

RF-Maier

3B-Betemit

SS-Betancourt 

2B-Aviles

1B-Butler

C-Kendall  

DH-Kila 

Then I would be satisfied, you know besides the Ankiel, Betancourt, and Kendall part, but hey it's a start. Deadline is less than three hours away and the Royals might not be done yet.