Offseason Agenda: Kansas City Royals

Don't even want to see the Royals record to know that they finished in last of the AL Central. Another rebuolding year in store?

Pitching
Since spending $55M on P Gil Meche a year ago, the Royals are looking again at free agent pitching. Brian Bannister and Kyle Davies are interesting prospects, while P Zach Greinke was a top prospect, but is now a spot starter/relief pitcher guy. Carlos Silva, Josh Fogg, Kris Benson, Kyle Lohse and, maybe Bartolo Colon are some free agent options. I could see the Royals adding Kris Benson, Lohse or Colon, but Silva already is at $10M plus a season, and I can't see the Royals making another Gil Meche signing. The Royals have a bunch of prospects who could take a starter job too.

The Bullpen is...well, what is it? I have no idea. Throwing a bunch of vegetables into a pot and calling it soup, is the Royals throwing a handful of prospects onto a bench and calling it a bullpen. Joel Peralta is an interesting prospect.

Infield
Something that the Royals actually have that's solid and depthful (I just made up that word). I like Alex Gordan at third. Tony Pena Jr. at short and Mark Grudzielanek at second look good. Ross Gload and Billy Butler platooning at first or something makes sense. I see no need to acquire an outstanding player here. A veteran utility man makes sense.

Outfield
The Royals seem set on adding a free agent pitfielder this offseason. Interest in Torii Hunter and Jose Guillen is genuine, but are the Royals ready to spend the money? Mark Teahen is an excellent right fielder, and David DeJesus is a cheap young option in center with excellent trade potential. I like the Royals outfield right now with a free agent addition.

Prognosis
I'm not too sure here. If the Royals can put out the money for the top players, than I see them making a decent push, but if the fail to add anyone significant, then keep your reservation near the bottem of the bucket.