Tigers#1
07-31-2003, 08:48 PM
Royals beef up the bullpen
Acquired three quality relievers in span of a month
By Robert Falkoff / MLB.com Get tickets
KANSAS CITY -- Right-handed reliever Al Levine, the newest Royal, ought to have a great scouting report on Tampa Bay when Kansas City opens a three-game series against the Devil Rays on Friday night at Kauffman Stadium.
Levine, acquired by the Royals before Thursday's trade deadline for cash considerations, will conveniently fly on the Tampa Bay charter to Kansas City. Then he'll say goodbye to the Devil Rays and hello to the Royals, who fortified their bullpen by adding three veteran relievers in July.
"We feel (Levine) adds some depth and quality to our bullpen," Royals general manager Allard Baird said. "Tony (Pena) can use him anywhere from a setup man to a guy who bridges the gap. It was very important for us to add more depth to the bullpen."
Levine was plagued by tendinitis last year, but has been healthy in 2003. Prior to Thursday, Levine was 3-5 with a 2.76 earned run average in 35 games.
"He'll throw the sinker and give you everything he's got," Pena said.
The Royals, who have been going with 13 pitchers on the roster, will make a move with one of those pitchers Friday.
Even though the non-waiver trade deadline has passed, the Royals continue to shop in an aggressive mode. Texas slugger Juan Gonzalez is almost certain to clear waivers because of a hefty salary and Kansas City is still searching for a right-handed impact bat, which was the club's stated top priority as the deadline approached. Kansas City was also linked to Reggie Sanders and Rondell White in pre-deadline speculation.
"The waiver period has started and we anticipate a lot of quality players to go through there," Baird said. "There are a couple in particular that we feel we still have a chance of acquiring."
The Royals are in need of a consistent fifth starter and may also have interest in former Royal Kevin Appier, provided that Appier clears waivers. The Royals recently moved left-hander Jeremy Affeldt to the bullpen and plan to shut down right-hander Kyle Snyder after Snyder -- three years removed from Tommy John surgery -- throws approximately 40 more innings. Appier was waived by Anaheim on Wednesday.
Acquired three quality relievers in span of a month
By Robert Falkoff / MLB.com Get tickets
KANSAS CITY -- Right-handed reliever Al Levine, the newest Royal, ought to have a great scouting report on Tampa Bay when Kansas City opens a three-game series against the Devil Rays on Friday night at Kauffman Stadium.
Levine, acquired by the Royals before Thursday's trade deadline for cash considerations, will conveniently fly on the Tampa Bay charter to Kansas City. Then he'll say goodbye to the Devil Rays and hello to the Royals, who fortified their bullpen by adding three veteran relievers in July.
"We feel (Levine) adds some depth and quality to our bullpen," Royals general manager Allard Baird said. "Tony (Pena) can use him anywhere from a setup man to a guy who bridges the gap. It was very important for us to add more depth to the bullpen."
Levine was plagued by tendinitis last year, but has been healthy in 2003. Prior to Thursday, Levine was 3-5 with a 2.76 earned run average in 35 games.
"He'll throw the sinker and give you everything he's got," Pena said.
The Royals, who have been going with 13 pitchers on the roster, will make a move with one of those pitchers Friday.
Even though the non-waiver trade deadline has passed, the Royals continue to shop in an aggressive mode. Texas slugger Juan Gonzalez is almost certain to clear waivers because of a hefty salary and Kansas City is still searching for a right-handed impact bat, which was the club's stated top priority as the deadline approached. Kansas City was also linked to Reggie Sanders and Rondell White in pre-deadline speculation.
"The waiver period has started and we anticipate a lot of quality players to go through there," Baird said. "There are a couple in particular that we feel we still have a chance of acquiring."
The Royals are in need of a consistent fifth starter and may also have interest in former Royal Kevin Appier, provided that Appier clears waivers. The Royals recently moved left-hander Jeremy Affeldt to the bullpen and plan to shut down right-hander Kyle Snyder after Snyder -- three years removed from Tommy John surgery -- throws approximately 40 more innings. Appier was waived by Anaheim on Wednesday.