Royals and Marlins Swap Players

On the day the 2008 World Series ended, a couple of young teams tried to better themselves. The Florida Marlins sent power-hitting first baseman Mike Jacobs to the Kansas City Royals for reilief pitcher Leo Nunez.

Jacobs came to the Marlins three years ago from the Mets, and hit 32 home runs in 2008. Despite the big power numbers, his batting average was under .250, and that probably won't get any better in the cavernous confines in KC. Jacobs, who just turned 28, joins a team that already has a number of similar players who are best at either first base or DH, including Ross Gload, Ryan Shealy and Billy Butler. Look for one or more of those guys to be traded, although it would be a surprise if Butler was dealt, as he has the most upside of those three. With a lineup including Alex Gordon, Jose Guillen, Butler and now Jacobs, the Royals look to improve an offense that has been perenially dismal.

Nunez had an ERA under 3.00 for the Royals last year, and the Marlins figure to turn him into a setup man or potential closer. The Marlins are a smart organization, and I think they realize that guys who put up Jacobs' kind of numbers are easier to come by than quality pitchers. This may be a trade that helps both teams, but I see this as part of a Florida rebuilding effort similar to what occured in Tampa this year.