The other big KC acquisition on Saturday:

Juan Cruz the newest Royal! (2 year deal with club option for 2011)

I caught wind of Juan Cruz coming to Kansas City around 1 pm on Saturday. The first thing that went through my mind is that the Royals made a heck of a move. Now, I know they are losing their 2nd round pick (#55) in order to sign Cruz and I still say it is a great move. You figure Dayton could eventually trade Cruz for prospects down the road, but I am thinking a 2nd rd pick is not a sure thing (heck, a first round pick isn't either) and I would trade a 2nd rounder for a quality major leaguer any day.

Here are some fun stats for my fellow baseball geeks out there. Since 2003 Cruz is in the top 15 in all of baseball in K/Ip at 10.45/9 ip. The Royals definitely got themselves the best bullpen in the league with this signing. Cruz is also murder on RH bats as they have just hit .218 against  him in his career (lefties at .258) However, Cruz has been a starting pitcher in the past.....will the Royals be tempted to use him there?...It might not be a bad idea considering that the rotation is the weakest link to the 2009 club. As a starter (38 career starts) Cruz is 10-17 with a 4.17 e.r.a and 164 k's in 196 ip. I like those numbers...they are better than what 4 of the Royals SP candidates project to do (although I am buying Kyle Davies in 2009) However, Cruz has been so dominant as a set up man that it would be hard to imagine Trey not wanting to feel that a lead after 5 is as good as a win.... I am also more comfortable with Cruz as the RH set up man over Farnsworth...I like Farnsworth but Cruz is the better of the 2 pitchers.

Things to keep in mind...Cruz dominated in the pitcher friendly NL West the last few seasons....however, you can not deny the power arm I feel sorry for the Royals bullpen catcher this season between Cruz and Farnsworth....

Right before I sent this I heard the Royals dfa's infielder Esteban German...I like German, he was a great surprise for the Royals his first season here...but, he is such a one dimensional player. I do not want to hear that he can play LF,3B, SS, and 2B because while he can play those positions he can not play any of them well. He was awful in LF and played there because of injuries rather than need. He is the same player as Callaspo and the Royals do not need 2 of this type of player on the same squad.

off topic...in 2011 2 of the brightest stars in Kansas City will be from the same High School...Chatsworth HS in the Valley of Southern California (Chiefs QB Matt Cassell and Royals infielder Mike Moustakas) "thank you Chatsworth Chancellors