Royals trade Huber to Padres

SURPRISE, Ariz. | Even the Royals’ need for some right-handed power couldn’t overcome Justin Huber’s inability to master a defensive position.

The Royals traded Huber to San Diego on Wednesday for a player to be determined. The deal came one day after Huber hit a two-run double against the Padres in an 8-4 victory.

“The way our club was shaping up,” general manager Dayton Moore said, “we just didn’t see the opportunity for him to be on our team. He’s out of options, and I really wish we had more time. He had a terrific spring, and we think he’s going to be a good hitter. It just didn’t work out.”

The trade was one of two made Wednesday by the Royals. They earlier acquired reliever Ramon Ramirez from Colorado after clearing space on their 40-man roster by designating pitcher Jorge De La Rosa for assignment.

The club also optioned pitcher Kyle Davies to Class AAA Omaha, reassigned pitchers Roman Colon and Chin-hui Tsao to minor-league camp and released minor-league pitcher Brian Lawrence.

Huber, 25, has been viewed as one of the organization’s top prospects since being acquired June 30, 2004, from the Mets. He won the Class AA Texas League batting title in 2005 and was picked that year as the most valuable player in the All-Star Futures Game.

The lack of a defensive position hampered Huber’s development. He was a catcher when acquired from the Mets but shifted to first because of a knee injury. He struggled there and fared little better after shifting in 2006 to left field.

The Royals still have 37 players in big-league camp. They leave Arizona after today’s game against Texas for games Friday and Saturday in Milwaukee before opening the season Monday in Detroit.

“We’ve got to get down to 24,” manager Trey Hillman said, “but we’re still awaiting decisions from the commissioner’s office to make our final decisions. The final-final will come down in Milwaukee.”

The Royals expect to learn the resolution of appeals filed by outfielder Jose Guillen and catcher Miguel Olivo within the next few days. Guillen is facing a 15-day suspension for violating baseball’s drug policy; Olivo has a five-game ban for his role in an on-field fight last September while playing for the Florida Marlins.

Club officials are hoping Guillen’s suspension is rescinded by Commissioner Bud Selig in accordance with recommendations attached to the Mitchell Report. Olivo’s suspension could be reduced by an arbitrator but is unlikely to be overturned.