The Kansas City Royals have been very hot lately, winning nine of their last ten games and closing the gap in the AL Central to 1/2 a game. Apparently, they think they need another power bat to push them over the hump.
The Royals reportedly traded for Twins power-hitting outfielder Josh Willingham early Monday evening. They will send Triple-A pitcher Jason Adam to Minnesota.
Willingham is in the final year of his 3-year, $21 million contract, and while he hasn't hit especially well so far this year, he is a definite upgrade over the likes of Raul Ibanez.
He is hitting only .210 with 12 homers and 34 RBIs, but the Royals are hoping that a change of scenery can resurrect the 35-year-old veteran who hit 35 homers in 2012.
Adam was Kansas City's number nine prospect at the beginning of the season, according to Baseball America. He is 5-9 so far this year at Double-A and Triple-A, and boasts a repertoire that is nearly major league ready.
The Royals can't expect a ton out of Willingham, but it bolsters a lineup that was depleted by Eric Hosmer's recent injury. They gave up a young power arm for him, but it is obvious that Kansas City is focused solely on the present, not so much the future.
Even though they don't have as talented of a team, they are putting up an admirable fight against the Tigers, who has arguably the best rotation in baseball that includes Max Scherzer, David Price, and Justin Verlander.
This isn't a game-changing move, but it is a solid post-deadline trade for Dayton Moore and the Kansas City organization.