Casey Close is renowned for making things difficult for ball clubs across the country. There is no question about his potential to lead a speculative spiral in the off-season. He recently orchestrated a pleasing deal for Derek Jeter. The player signed on
with the New York Yankees after a lengthy, deliberating negotiation process that led the saga to its extreme depression.
So knowing all of that makes anyone think the chances of extending a player’s contract with Casey Close on the front line are pretty low. That appears to be the understanding prevailing in the Kansas City Royals’ board room. General Manager Dayton Moore
has been pushing on a trade deal possibility involving Zack Greinke for quite some time. There was talk of it before the winter meetings started and today there are rumours on the player requesting a transfer from the management.
The whole saga began with the player stating his displeasure at seeing the Royals bringing up less talented ball players to the front lines. That created a sore between the club and the ball thrower during the regular season. Now it appears the pitcher changed
his representation in the market. The star has gone to CAA Sports (Casey Close) for services, rather than SFX Baseball (former agent body).
Zack is now under speculative buzz that has tilted General Manager, Dayton Moore’s head towards the exit door. He sees a possibility of a contract extension as a difficult proposition. Furthermore, there are two more years left on Zack’s $38 million ($27
million remaining) contract. Hence, that has gotten the top man to think differently on the situation, opting more for a trade.
"It's no different than it was in 2008 before we signed him long-term," Moore said. "You're evaluating opportunities. We were fortunate to be able to sign him long-term in the winter of 2009 based on where the market is and where it's going," he added.
Moore’s focus will be on bringing in 3 top players to the club; a hitter, fielder and a pitcher is the idea sought out by the top man and he believes Greinke will be valued that way.
"Zack's an incredibly talented pitcher, and he's done a tremendous job for our organization," Moore said. "For us to trade any of our players, it would have to be in line with what I've already said in the past - get players back that blend in with what
we have."
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