http://www.kansascity.com/sports/royals/story/209677.htmlMost of the interest remains centered on veteran closer Octavio Dotel, with Seattle believed to be making a renewed push. The Indians, Dodgers, Braves, Red Sox, Yankees and Mets also appear in the mix.
The Mets remain interested in second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, and several teams continue to inquire about reliever Zack Greinke. The Royals are also trying to trade outfielder Reggie Sanders.
Opposing scouts still see the Indians and Dodgers as the clubs most likely to meet the Royals’ price.
The Dodgers remain reluctant to surrender any of their top minor-league infielders — particularly second baseman Tony Abreu, believed to be the Royals’ top preference.
The Royals also appear interested in shortstop Chin-Lung Hu, who was the most valuable player earlier this month in the All-Star Futures Game.
The Indians have two outfielders who interest the Royals: Franklin Gutierrez and Ben Francisco. The Royals appear to prefer Gutierrez, who would probably become their center fielder.
Cleveland is making a strong push to bolster its suspect bullpen but is still seeking a lower-cost alternative to Dotel.
Speculation by scouts is the Royals want the Mariners to surrender Wladimir Balentien or Adam Jones, both of whom profile as the type of power-hitting outfielder they sorely covet.
Jones, 21, was the 37th overall pick in the 2003 draft and entered the season ranked by Baseball America as the Mariners’ top prospect. He is batting .313 at Class AAA Tacoma with 24 homers and 81 RBIs in 96 games.
Scouts generally regard Jones, a center fielder, as a can’t-miss talent but are divided on Balentien, who offered more potential than production until this season.
