Offseason Outlook: Kansas City Royals

Yes Soria has pitched as a starter. He was a starter in the Mexican league or winter leagues. He also has a no hitter as a starter. I prefer we leave him where he is and make a push to get some big name free agents. Go Royals!

In the Mexican League in '06 before he was taken in the Rule 5. Shouldn't be too much of a problem, when you're in the position the Royals are you can afford to stretch the guy out and see if he can handle 150 or so innings next year, possibly 180 in 2010.

So I agree, move Soria into the rotation. To replace him in the closer's role, give Jason Isringhausen a one-year, incentive-laden deal, see if he can become a Type A FA after '09 and turn him into picks, or just trade him at the deadline.
As for LF, Milton Bradley won't come cheap necessarily but wouldn't require a long-term commitment, maybe sign him for 2/$24? Juan Rivera's probably a better fit. Cabrera at SS probably costs no more than $2-3 million.

"Cabrera at SS probably costs no more than $2-3 million."

That would be a fantasy for any team. Cabrera is going to cost at least $7 million a year, if not more, and he will probably want a multi-year commitment.

"Juan Rivera's probably a better fit."

Juan Rivera is a great fit for just about any team, because he is going to be cheap, can play all three OF positions and 1B, and has shown every indication that he can mash if given steady playing time. That said, I am not so sure the Angels don't just resign him, especially if they can figure out something to do with Matthews.

Joelcards

your one of the main reasons most people in KC can't stand the Turd that you call STL.

Kala is Kila's brother.

Finally some love for the Royals.

I would look to trade Teahen. He just isn't a good enough bat for a corner outfielder and he wont see third base again as long as Gordon is healthy.

Gobble won't be on the team next year and Peralta may not be either. Gobble has been down right horrible and doesn't deserve a major league contract after his performance this year.

I also wouldn't be surprised to see Jose Guillen take a hike. He has been a big cry baby and Dayton is sick of him for sure.

Look for KC to go after Raul Ibanez and may be even trade for Matt Holliday. The problem will be the price of Holliday because Dayton won't sacrifice too much young talent even for the best hitting outfielder in today's game.

IF Soria can start, he should start. A #3 starter is more valuable than a closer IMO.

KCRoyals5- Why the h3ll would KC want Holliday? That would be one of the stupidest moves DM could make. Holliday is a 1yr rental. His agent is Boras. The Royals aren't locks for contending next year.

Bannister and Hochevar are far from solid. Bannister is already 27, will be 28 next season, so not much more development from him, and it's not like he has pitched well at all this year, which makes those doubting him in the offseason look like geniuses.

As far as trading Gordon, I think if next season he doesn't look like he's going to be that superstar player everyone thought he would be, and Moustakas is ready, then there might be some consideration. Though, Moustakas probably won't be ready to take over in 2010, he's only in A ball and came straight from high school. It's going to be a little while longer for him. Probably mid 2010, early 2011. Hosmer will be ready by then most likely, that is, if Boras hasn't screwed him over like Alvarez.

Do you really think the Royals are ready to cut the cord on Gordon? He was such a highly touted prospect that I can't see them dumping him now. I'd say give the kid another year and see if he develops, it's not like they've got a replacement in house worth starting over him, at least to my limited knowledge of the Royals and their farm system.