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Kansas City Royals Inside Pitch

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Updated Dec 11, 2009 6:01 AM ET
     
 
First baseman/DH Mike Jacobs, who was the Royals' premier acquisition in the 2008 offseason, and left-hander John Bale, who was signed in 2006 after three solid seasons in Japan, were released Dec. 10 in cost-cutting moves.

Jacobs, who made $3.25 million in 2009, was acquired in an Oct. 30, 2008 trade with the Marlins for pitcher Leo Nunez. Jacobs hit 32 home runs with 93 RBI in 2008 with Florida and the Royals envisioned him as a power threat and cleanup hitter.

Jacobs hit .270 with a .540 slugging percentage, nine home runs and 23 RBI in his first 36 games but slumped mightily after that. He hit .210 with 10 home runs and 38 RBI in his final 92 games. His season numbers: .228 batting average, 19 home runs, 61 RBI and 132 strikeouts in 434 at-bats.

Jacobs was the Royals' opening-day first baseman, but poor fielding and minimal range soon cost him that job. Billy Butler replaced him at first base, while Jacobs was mostly the DH. He hit so poorly against left-handers, a .178 average with one home run, six RBI and 36 strikeouts in 101 at-bats, he ended the season sitting against them.

Despite the rough season, Jacobs was again arbitration eligible and his salary could have climbed to the $5 million range. The Royals were not prepared to pay that to a part-time player.

Bale pocketed $1.2 million while going 0-1 with a 5.72 ERA in 43 relief appearances. The 35-year-old Bale, too, is arbitration eligible and the Royals deemed him too costly to retain.

Bale spent more time on the disabled list than on the mound for the Royals. He was not activated last season until May 23 after having thyroid surgery in spring training. His other injuries included a self-induced broken hand, strained shoulder and back spasms. He threw only 95 innings while going 1-5 in three seasons with Kansas City.

Tagged: Royals

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