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01/05/2004 Archived Entry: "MLB News: Royals Close to adding JuanGone by Bart Ewing"
Juan Gonzalez on the Verge of Signing with Kansas City
The KC Star has reported that Gonzalez has narrowed his choices from 6 to 3 teams with the Royals as the front runner. Later in the day on radio GM Allard Baird confirmed that The Royals and Gonzalez were close but he was not offically signed. He added he had just gotten off a cell phone call from Gonzalez who asked about spring training dates/accomadations.
Baird is fairly conservative on information usually so this is as good as done. The Royals clearly over achieved in 2003, winning far more than their talent indicated. The Royals in 2004 are legit. With Chicago and Minnesota getting worse, the Royals may even be a favorite in the Central. Rising Cleveland will surprise but the Royals have either maintained or upgraded at every position from 2003.
Gonzalez is a huge addition as he matched last years LF Raul Ibanez in half a season. Gonzalez may not be what he once was but he should be a nice addition to middle of the order. Expect some injuries and personal lapses but this could be a significant move.
The Royals projected lineup for 2004
C B Santiago (Mayne-2003) upgrade
1b M Sweeney who will DH a lot as well (Sweens-2003) upgrade because he's healthy now
2b Relaford/Graffaninio (Febles/Relaford-2003) upgrade on offense downgrade on defense- remember Relaford had a solid 1rst half but tailed in 2nd half with a hurt shoulder and he could not switch hit
ss Berroa (Berroa-2003) upgrade- as he will take another step forward-great 2nd half
3b Randa (Randa-2003) wash
LF- Gonzalez (Ibanez) upgrade
CF Beltran (Beltran-2003) upgrade probably as Beltran missed 1rst month of season in 2003
RF platoon of Guiel and ???? (Tucker-2003) upgrade especially defensively-Guiel good ob guy
DH platoon Stairs/Harvey (Harvey-2003) upgrade
SP Anderson, May, Appier, and 2 of the following Affeldt, Ascencio, Gobble, Snyder, Grienke
not earth shaking but an upgrade as vets up top at minimum eat innings and protect the pen and a nice chance for a young arm breakthrough- likely Affeldt (if blister problem gone) or Grienke
RP Macdougald, Grimsley, Leskanic, Sullivan, Carrasco, probably Affeldt
much deeper- higher quality
watch this team and some great fantasy bargains here to exploit
Bart Ewing
Replies: 1 Comment
Yes, the AL Central is extremely weak. The Sox lost Colon and the Twins lost Guardado. I don't know if Juan Gone will be enough to put the Royals over the top, but it will sure help.
Posted by Eric Gartman @ 01/06/2004 04:57 PM EST
