Noel Arguelles

Dayton Moore has been involved in many tough negotiations for top Cuban and Latin players dating to his time with Atlanta.  He was very excited to win the negotiation for Cuban lefty Noel Arguelles.

Arguelles, who turns 20 tomorrow, is currently at the club’s complex in Surprise, Arizona.  The plan is to move him very slowly at first, both on the field and off.  Arguelles is in great shape but has been pitching continuously for 17 months - first in international competition, then in tryout sessions.  He will be in big league camp, but don’t look for him to start Spring Training on the same throwing program with the rest of the club.  Moore doesn’t see control as a problem for Arguelles – he believes that the lefty is ahead of a few of the club’s top minor league prospects in that area.  The Royals will also pay close attention to helping Arguelles adjust to a new culture, which is a key component of a player’s development.

Scott’s stat

One media member on Friday’s conference call brought up an interesting stat…new Royals outfielder Scott Podsednik is 17-for-34 in his career against A.L. Cy Young winner Zack Greinke.  That’s the best mark for any player with at least 15 at-bats against Zack.  Podsednik downplayed it, saying it was one of those crazy things that can’t be explained.  He is more than happy to be Zack’s newest teammate (and our guess is Zack is more than happy as well.)