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Kansas City Royals Roster Report

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Updated Dec 11, 2009 6:01 AM ET
     
 
The Royals have many needs to fill this offseason -- starting with center field, catching, the rotation and bullpen -- but few available dollars. The Royals' farm system is barren at the top, so don't expect any rookie to make an immediate impact. Also, they have little of value to bring back anything in return because they do not want to trade RHPs Zack Greinke and Joakim Soria and 1B Billy Butler. If they dealt any of those three, it would just create another big hole.

BIGGEST NEEDS: A speedy leadoff hitter who could play in center is the biggest need. Manager Trey Hillman used six different center fielders. Finding dependable arms in the bullpen is a key as Hillman used RHP Joakim Soria for several saves of more than three outs. The Royals also need help behind the plate.

ARRIVALS: 3B Josh Fields (trade with White Sox), 2B Chris Getz (trade with White Sox).

DEPARTURES: INF/OF Mark Teahen (traded to White Sox), RHP Yasuhiko Yabuta (free agent, signed with Japanese team), INF Tug Hulett (traded to Red Sox).

FREE AGENTS: RHP Jamey Wright, LHP Bruce Chen, C Miguel Olivo, CF Coco Crisp, LHP Lenny DiNardo, RHP Doug Waechter, RHP Devon Lowery.

The Royals have some interest in bringing back Wright, who made $800,000 in 2009 after coming to camp as a non-roster player. Chen finished the season with an oblique injury and was ineffective (1-6 with a 5.78 ERA). But he is left-handed, so the Royals might bring him back on a minor league contract. The team declined contract options on Olivo, Crisp and Yabuta. DiNardo, Waechter and Lowery refused assignments to the minors and became free agents.

ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: LHP John Bale, RHP Brian Bannister, C John Buck, RHP Roman Colon, RHP Kyle Davies, 3B Alex Gordon, DH/1B Mike Jacobs, RHP Robinson Tejeda.

Some on this list will likely be non-tendered, such as Buck, who made $2.9 million this year as a backup, and Jacobs, who made $3.575 million but had an unsatisfactory season and became a platoon player, seldom facing left-handers. Bale probably will not be back.

IN LIMBO: The Royals would gladly get rid of RF Jose Guillen and his $12 million salary for 2010, but it is doubtful they would find any takers unless they want to eat most of that contract.

MEDICAL WATCH:

RHP Gil Meche (sore right shoulder) is expected to be 100 percent when spring training begins.

RHP Brian Bannister (sore right shoulder) is expected to be 100 percent when spring training begins.

RHP Kyle Davies (oblique strain) is expected to be 100 percent when spring training begins.

RF Jose Guillen (strained right hamstring) will rest and rehab in the offseason, but no surgery is scheduled.

CF Coco Crisp (right shoulder surgery in June 2009, left shoulder surgery in July 2009) is a question mark for the start of next season.

SS Mike Aviles (Tommy John elbow surgery in July 2009) might be restricted when spring training begins.

INF/OF Willie Bloomquist (arthroscopic surgery on both knees in October 2009) is expected to be at 100 percent by the start of spring training.

RHP Roman Colon (arthroscopic right knee surgery in October 2009) is expected to be fully healed by the time spring training opens.

2B Chris Getz (sports hernia surgery in October 2009) is expected to be ready for spring training following a six-week rehab.
Tagged: Royals

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