The Los Angeles Dodgers got Scott Podsednik to help out the big league outfield. The Kansas City Royals got catcher Lucas May and pitcher Elisaul Pimental in return.
While Lucas May is 25 years old, he's relatively new to catching. Originally drafted by the Dodgers in the eighth round of the 2003 Draft, May spent his first two-plus professional seasons as a shortstop. He spent some time in the outfield in 2005 and played there full-time in 2006. Following that season, the Dodgers asked him to move behind the plate and he's made slow and steady progress since.
His catch-and-throw skills have advanced to the point where some feel he could compete defensively at the Major League level. His off-the-charts makeup allow him to be a natural leader behind the plate. Offensively, May does have some extra-base pop, with 11 homers and a .496 slugging percentage in 73 games with Triple-A Albuquerque. He's hitting .296 in the Pacific Coast League, but he may not hit for much average at the next level. He might be more of a backup when all is said and done, but he's got the chance to be an everyday guy behind the plate. The backstop for Team USA during its gold medal run in the World Cup, May will report to Triple-A Omaha.
Royals Impressed With Lucas May
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Source: MLB.com