The Kansas Royals have acquired shortstop Tony Pena Jr. from the Atlanta Braves for minor league right-handed pitcher Erik Cordier. To make room for Pena on the 40-man roster, the Royals placed reliever Joe Nelson on the 60-day Disabled List.

You can analyze this anyway you want, but it more or less spells the end for Angel Berroa.

I was fortunate enough to catch up with Royals GM Dayton Moore after the trade. “We’re thrilled to get Tony,” said Moore. “He’s an instinctive player with excellent defensive skills. He’s also come a long way with the bat.”

Dayton Moore was part of the Atlanta Braves team that helped scout and sign Tony Pena Jr. If anyone knows Pena, it’s Moore.

When I asked Dayton if they traded for Pena to be in the shortstop mix right now, he replied, “Definitely.” The fact that Pena is out of options has something to do with that. But Berroa’s play certainly has forced the Royals to look elsewhere.

I thought this was humorous enough that I had to share it with everyone as you start your weekend. I received the following message this morning from Jim Trdinich of the Pirates media relations department:

"I was informed yesterday by Tony Armas that he is not a “junior.” He and his father have different middle names. Therefore, please drop the Jr. from his name if you have been using it that way. Thank you."

Hilarious! After 8 years in the league Tony decides to tell someone? Maybe his name really isn't Tony either! Hmmm...

It's things like this that keep me so interested in this wonderful game!

(Jason Bay slides in for a double by Bill Richardson - Baseball Digest Daily) 

As we prepare for the upcoming season, we continue our series of interviews here at Baseball Digest Daily. Today we are fortunate to talk with Pittsburgh Pirates star outfielder Jason Bay. Check out the conversation right here:

Q and A with Pittsburgh Pirates Outfielder Jason Bay

Special thanks goes out to Jason for being a terrific interview and one of the nicest players you’ll ever meet. Sometimes it’s hard to capture the person in the context of a transcribed interview, but Jason Bay was a class guy and very funny. I’d also like to thank Dan Hart of the Pirates media relations department who set up the interview and helped BDD on numerous occasions.

My appreciation goes out to all those who submitted questions as well. I was able to work a few of them into the interview, and the others helped generate ideas for new questions. Thank you!