Rumors swirled that the KC Royals were packaging Wade Davis and Ian Kennedy in trade talks before the August 1 non-waiver deadline. The Los Angeles Dodgers appeared to be the most natural fit for such a deal. With the Royals wallowing their way to a 7-19 July and seemingly out of the race, most pundits would have congratulated KC general manager Dayton Moore for his realistic decision-making.
Presuming that Moore landed some top prospects to restock the Kansas City system, fans and analysts around baseball alike would have showered him with praise.