According to one National League executive, the Kansas City Royals and Atlanta Braves have had serious discussions about a trade that would send outfielder Jeff Francouer to the Royals for pitcher Zack Greinke. The same source said he believed the teams were close to executing the deal, but that Atlanta was holding up any and all trade discussions until the Braves had a resolution of their pujrsuit of right-hander A.J. Burnett.
If there's one thing Kansas City doesn't need, it's another outfielder. Meanwhile, Atlanta's going to pass that trade up until they know about A.J. Burnett? Um, why? Grienke's projected to have about 37 NLRS, Burnett projects at 41 NLRS. Plus, the opportunity cost to acquire Greinke is low enough that there's zero reason to not pull the trigger. After all, Francouer is projected as a sub-1 WAR player and Greinke still has two seasons left under team control.
Perhaps it was talked about in a package deal or something of the sort. I'm going to give Dayton Moore the benefit of the doubt and assume it was simply a misunderstood joke, similar to lunch room variety negotiations such as:
Kid One: I'll trade you my carrot sticks for your candy bar.
Kid Two: Okay.
Kid One: : )
Kid Three: : O
Kid Three: /runs off
Kid Two: Syke!
Kid One: : |
Kid One: : (
Later, on playground.
Kid Three: You'll never guess what I heard...