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The Royals and their fans are about to learn a lot about Dayton Moore, their new general manager, as baseball’s rumor season hits its midsummer bloom after the All-Star break.

Contenders and would-be contenders are already jockeying for roster additions before the July 31 nonwaiver trading deadline.

It figures to be a seller’s market, too, because 22 of 30 teams are positioned within seven games of a playoff spot.

That seemingly offers the Royals, stocked with several veterans, a golden opportunity to goose an eternal rebuilding plan that’s now under new management.

“They have a lot of veteran guys who have been on playoff teams,” a scout from an opposing team said. “Those are guys that teams want because they know what they’re getting.”

Moore is choosing to play it cool — at least for now and for public consumption.

“People know the guys we’ve got here,” he said. “I’m not on the phone making calls and asking people if they have interest in so-and-so. I’m not going to do that.

“I don’t have to move salaries. I don’t have to make room for anybody. It’s not like we’ve got to make a lot of trades because we’ve got a boatload of guys pushing us from the system.”

Moore insists front-line prospects such as third baseman Alex Gordon and right fielder Billy Butler won’t be rushed to the big leagues. Similarly, Moore appears committed to allowing right-hander Zack Greinke to progress slowly in his return from an extended absence related to psychological issues.

That long-term approach is also evident in ownership’s approval for Moore’s plans to bolster the scouting staff, increase the organization’s presence and financial capability in the Caribbean, and in efforts to add another short-season affiliate.

“We’re definitely going to be more aggressive in Latin America,” he said, “and in signing players. We’re going to look to add to our staff in scouting, in the free-agent field but also in the major leagues and the minor leagues. We’re looking to add a few guys in each area.”

Even so, the looming trade deadline also represents an opportunity.

“There are key players in every organization who if you can get, you get,” Moore agreed. “Those are the ones you inquire about. If you can get one of those players, you go get him because he can make your club better immediately and for the long term.

“Those are the guys you make calls for.”

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