The Royals claimed pitcher Kanekoa Texeira off of waivers from the Mariners and designated right-hander Brad Thompson for assignment to make room for Texeira, according to a team press release.
The Mariners designated Texeira and Jesus Colome for assignment two days ago. The Yankees acquired Texeira in the 2008 deal that brought Nick Swisher to the Bronx, but they saw the Mariners claim the 24-year-old Hawaiian in last winter's Rule 5 draft. The Royals have to expose Texeira to waivers if they decide to take him off their active roster this year. If no team were to claim Texeira on waivers, the Royals would have to offer him back to the Yankees.
Kanekoa relied on a 90 mph fastball, a change-up and a slider in Seattle, where he posted a 5.30 ERA with 6.8 K/9 and 4.8 BB/9 in 16 appearances this year. He has a 2.49 ERA with 8.7 K/9 and 3.4 BB/9 in four minor league seasons.
Another piece of evidence that KC will take a flier on any former Mariner they can find. Still, Texeira has the makings of a solid pitcher. He’s young and has good stuff. Why the Mariners chose to go with Sean White over him is inexcusable. White is AAA fodder and nothing more.
I agree on the Mariner fetish, and I also don’t mind the move. Thompson has no business being on an AL roster. Maybe Kanekoa doesn’t either, but if you have relievers throwing BP out there I’d rather have a 24 year old who can strike guys out over a 28 year old who can’t.
Speaking of relievers, can we please sell high on Farnsworth’s sub 3.00 ERA and ship him out with cash for a prospect, or no cash for a ham sandwich? Oops, I think I just questioned The Process.
Quit complaining, at least Moore didn’t claim Colome.