Royals' Moore hasn't 'had trade talks with any other teams'

Despite a 19-27 record firmly entrenching the Kansas City Royals in the AL Central basement - 7 1/2 games behind the division-leading Minnesota Twins - general manager Dayton Moore is not throwing in the towel.

With several expiring contracts, the expectation might be that the team will unload familiar faces at the trade deadline. So far, according to MLB Network Radio, Moore hasn't started exploring that avenue.

"I haven't had trade talks with any other teams at this point. Our scouting strategy hasn't changed," Moore said Thursday.

Lorenzo Cain, Mike Moustakas, and Eric Hosmer, all holdovers from Kansas City's back-to-back World Series appearances, are pending free agents. As is pitcher Jason Vargas, the team's top starter thus far.

All could move, though Moore still sees the playoffs as the season's goal.

"We're still focused and determined to put the best team on the field to win games and get back in the playoff race," Moore said.

Should Moore's tune change, especially if the team doesn't rebound quickly, there should be plenty of suitors in need of bolstering their rosters for a postseason push.