MLB.com is reporting that the Royals are giving General Manager Dayton Moore a four year extension through 2014. The 2009 Royals have been quite a disappointment, with a 50-80 record. They own a .254 batting average, worst in the AL, and are on pace to have the worst record in the AL.
However, credit Moore with bringing in Joakim Soria, who owns a 2.25 ERA in 160 career appearances. Not only that, but Moore wisely held onto Billy Butler, who at 23, is starting put everything together at the plate.
Moore also handled the Zack Grienke situation very well. In 2006, Grienke left the Royals complex in Arizona for personal reasons. It was later revealed that he was suffering from a social anxiety disorder. The Royals put him on the 60-day disabled list and gave him time to recover. Now, Grienke is in Cy Young contention, with 13 wins and a 2.32 ERA.
James Quinn over at Royals Review wrote recently about the Royals struggling bullpen. More importantly, he points out several players the Royals have traded away who are now experiencing success. Jeremy Affeldt, who was traded by the Royals to the Rockies, has a 1.81 ERA in 58 games this season with the Giants. Former Royals first round draft pick J.P. Howell is starting to emerge with Rays, posting 2.48 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP in 60 games this season.
It is apparent that Moore hasn't been the most patient with his players, and it will be interesting to see if Moore can build the Royals back into a playoff contending team.