While I’ve been waiting for the free agents to start signing with their new teams, I have looked back at a couple that have already happened. A confusing rumor mixed with a related trade have left me questioning the motives of the Kansas City Royals.

The Royals have been craving a defensive minded backstop after Olivo, Buck, and Pena each displayed some struggles behind the plate this year, though the group hit the ball with some authority. With their constricted payroll one would expect another stopgap at catcher until they can spend some money. But this is where I get confused. The Royals aren’t that far from competing in the AL Central. No I don’t think they’re the next Tampa Bay Rays, that’s why I said competing, not contending. It’d be nice if the Royals fans had a competitive team to watch all summer.

But back to the trade rumor. While searching for that catcher, there’s been word that they are interested in A.J. Ellis of the L.A. Dodgers. If you haven’t heard of him, I’m not surprised. He is a 28 year old career minor league catcher with one hit in the bigs. Not only are the Royals interested in him, but the trade talks start with Alberto Callaspo. Callaspo is young, cheap, and productive. Callaspo combines speed with a little bit of pop that had him hitting in the 3-spot a couple times this year. He is a switch-hitter and should only get better in the field. The Dodgers would be sure to accept this offer instantly as Orlando Hudson is on the way out as a free agent, again making Callaspo ever-more valuable to L.A. There couldn’t be much to this rumor, could there?

Maybe there is. Just after this rumor came about, the Royals pulled off a different trade. Mark Teahen to the White Sox for Chris Getz and Josh Fields. This was more of a cost saving move while they hope that Alex Gordon really steps it up at third. Fields is comparable to Gordon in the fact that he is third base prospect who hasn’t lived up to the hype. Fields can play all the corners though, and is less-expensive. Getz is the interesting part. Last year he began the season as the White Sox starting second baseman and he doesn’t really project anywhere else besides second. He bats lefty and is a purely contact hitter. Why would the Royals bring him in?

Currently the Royals have a couple other options at second even beyond Callaspo. Willie Bloomquist will be in the second year of his deal and is a great utility man. Also, the Royals have Mike Aviles who is recovering from surgery. After acquiring Yuniesky Betancourt from the Mariners near the trade deadline to play short, Aviles will be coming to spring training looking to compete. Either way you look at, the Royals don’t have a need for Getz unless the Royals are planning on moving someone, with the rumors pointing to Callaspo.

I’m hopeful, and confident, that the Royals would not only seek an old minor league catcher in return for the valuable Callaspo, but why do the trade talks start with Ellis. If the starting point of a deal for Callaspo is an inexperienced catcher, I’m sure many more teams will get involved. I look forward to seeing where these talks go.