The Kansas City Royals (original) (raw)

Wow, me and your other Mod have went MIA the last couple of months. Shame on us. Theres not too many of you, so its not a big deal I guess, HA! but still, shame on us...

Well, Today started a new chapter in the Royals book as Allard Baird has signed 4, yes I said 4, Free Agents today, all focused on his goals at the end of the season. The new Royals are...

*Scott Elarton, RHP (former Indian, Rockie..4.61, 11-9 in 2005)--He received a two year deal worth $8mil

*Paul Bako,C (former Dodger,Cub.. .239 Career average, .289, 4 errors in 47 games in 2004)-signed a 1 year contract under $1mil

(ok kids get ready to make nicknames for these two-for the sake of spelling and pronouncing)

*Mark Grudzielanek, 2B (Former Cardinal, Cub.. .284 BA, 8 homeruns, 59 hrbis in 2005)-signed a 1 year contract worth 4mil(withthe2ndyearundera4mil (with the 2nd year under a 4mil(withthe2ndyearundera3mil option)

*Doug Mientkiewicz, 1B (former Red Sox, Twin.. .240, 11 homeruns 29 rbis in 87 games in 2005)-signed a 1 year contract worth $1.85mil

And your asking, why another 1B? Well Baird has said that Huber needs more time in the minors for defense. Doug will share 1B with Stairs and Sweeney (Mike getting mostly DH time).

Paul Bako will get the back up role behind John Buck and will provide good defense and leadership.

Elarton will join the Rotation behind Grienke, Hernandez (a Boras agent)and Mark Redmen(who we recieved in a trade from the pirates). Newly acquired Elmer Dessens looks to be short relief, and Affeldt or Sisco might get a nod for part of the starting rotation.

Thats probably enough for now. The Royals have started to make an improvement and Baird is not finished with offseason moves quite yet. He is targeting Twin, Jaque Jones for Bairds "power outfielder". Also, since school is over for winter, I will be making a new layout for royals_baseball Stay tune! GO ROYALS!