Who's Leaving the KC Royals? Is Zack Greinke on the Block?

With the speculation about who is going where coming up to the trade deadline, let's look to see who might be moved for the KC Royals.

The Royals don't have a lot to offer when it comes to bait for the teams in the middle of race. Generally there isn't going to be much on a team that's 13.5 GB. But there are a couple moves that can be made.

With interest from the Yankees, Brewers (before getting CC), and Cubs (before getting Harden), the most talked about acquisition is Zack Greinke. Greinke had an amazing first half but has struggled his past couple of outings, going 0-3 with a 6.14 ERA in July.

Greinke upside lies in the fact that he could be a quality back of the rotation starter or be moved to the bullpen as a set up man. Greinke spent the first three-fourths of the year last year coming out of the 'pen hitting triple digits at times.

Another pitcher that could be moved is Ron Mahay. With everyone always looking for another lefty in the bullpen, Mahay has been dominating. In July, Mahay has a 0.73 ERA in 10 appearances. Mahay is also not your typical lefty specialist, with him sporting a .228 BAA vs. right on the year. Look for him to be moved before the deadline.

In response to the very good B/R article by Matthew Goodman where he talks about the Yankees getting Bannister for Melky Cabrera, there seems to be a very low likelihood this trade will happen.

Although he would be an upgrade to the already number five starter Ponson, it would not be a big enough upgrade for what the Yankees are looking for. And although that it seems that Bannister deifies "baseball's law average," he still doesn't put up the numbers to make this deal happen.

The only other likely move that would be made is that of 2B Mark Grudzielanek. Grudzielanek is a Gold Glove 2B hitting over .300 on the year. There have been talks about him being moved all year, but no real need for a 2B by of the teams in contention besides the Cubs. Although there hasn't been too much talk, look for him to be moved.