Kansas City made two moves to solidify their bullpen at the trading deadline. On July 28th, the Royals dealt Jeremy Hill to the Mets for Graeme Lloyd. Then on the 31st, Kansas City sent cash to Tampa Bay for Al Levine.

Al Levine isn't a particularly dominant pitcher and doesn't possess stellar control. With Tampa, he compiled a 25:18 K:BB with 45 H and 7 HR allowed in 49.2 IP for a 2.90 ERA over 36 appearances. He's not a large upgrade over the Royals alternatives, but considering he only cost Kansas City a bit of cash, I have no objections to this acquisition. I wish the Devil Rays had picked up a low-level prospect instead of just cash, but this trade was a roster dump for Tampa, enabling them to audition some of the young pitchers vying for spots on next year's team.

In order to make room for Levine on the roster, the Royals sent down Sean Lowe. Lowe performed fairly well for Kansas City through May and June, but a disastrous July led to this demotion. He'll likely rejoin the team in September.

Kansas City has spent much of the season without a reliable left-handed reliever. Lloyd's developed into a specialist this year and should pitch well for the Royals as long as they limit his exposure to right-handed hitters. However, LHP Jeremy Affeldt's move to the bullpen as a result of his continued blister problems as a starter really took the edge off their need for a southpaw in the pen.

We discussed Hill this spring when looking at Kansas City closer candidates. While the Royals mostly let him alone at AAA, he failed to adjust to the new league and the moderate walk problems he displayed at AA ballooned out of control. Over 40.1 IP prior to the trade, he compiled a 41:42 K:BB with 42 H and 5 HR allowed for a 7.81 ERA over 26 appearances, including one start. I still believe he could develop into a solid reliever, but he's no longer on the fast track to the majors. Hill will turn 26 tomorrow and is unlikely to receive as much attention as younger pitchers in the Mets' system.

This trade worked for both teams, as the Royals acquired a semi-useful pitcher in exchange for a struggling minor league reliever, while the Mets cleared a roster spot and picked up a pitcher who retains potential.