Danny

Gutierrez

Even though he rated as one of their top pitching prospects, the Royals pretty much gave Gutierrez away last month because they had problems with his attitude. 2009 was essentially a lost year for him, as he was limited to 32 1/3 innings by shoulder problems. He’ll get a chance to make up some of those innings now. He has middle-of-the-rotation potential, and his acquisition could pay off nicely for Texas.

Gutierrez, 22, has only logged 27 1/3 innings this year with Single-A Wilmington due to right shoulder inflammation, but has posted and impressive 25/7 K/BB ratio and 1.65 ERA in the time he’s been healthy. Baseball America rated him as the Royals’ No. 7 prospect.

Gutierrez was considered the seventh best prospect in the Royals system according to Baseball America. The 22-year old also was ranked the pitcher with the best control and Baseball America says the “sky is the limit” if Gutierrez can improve his changeup. He has pitched in limited action on the year; 27.1 innings for Single-A Wilmington, striking out 25 and walking seven to post a 1.65 ERA. Pina, a defense-first catcher, is the focus of the deal from the Kansas City side, as the Royals are likely to cut ties with both John Buck and Miguel Olivo after the year.

Gutierrez tested positive for the amphetamine adderall, which is used to treated Attention Deficit Disorder, reports Grant. Gutierrez had a prescription for the drug, but failed to apply for a waiver with major league baseball. Gutierrez, who turns 23 in March, was acquired from the Royals last September after what was largely a lost season due to a shoulder problem. That didn’t stop Baseball America from recently ranking Gutierrez as the ninth best prospect in the Rangers’ organization. It looks like he’s headed for another abbreviated campaign.