Kansas City Royals: A Look At The 2016 Offseason

Also returning is Chris Young. Last year I finally came around on this guy. He’s the most baffling pitcher I’ve ever watched.

To the naked eye, it’s hard to fathom how batters aren’t peppering the Kauffman Stadium fountains, or even I-70, with home runs off this guy. He gets the job done though, and for at least two more years, he’ll serve as insurance in case one of the planned starting pitchers falters.

I thought the Young signing was a wise move. You’re not going to get 200 innings out of Young, but you will get solid production if/when one of your starters gets hurt, or is ineffective, and needs a fill-in for a while. Like I said, Young is an insurance policy.

I think we all loved Soria when he was the Royals all-star closer. Heck, he was about the only Royals player worth rooting for in those days.

Another pitcher to join the Royals is none other than Joakim Soria, who pitched for the team several years ago. Who doesn’t love a good reunion story?

I think we all loved Soria when he was the Royals all-star closer. Heck, he was about the only Royals player worth rooting for in those days. Now he’s back to fill the void Madson left behind, and maintain the strength of that Royals bullpen.

Soria is who I was referring to when I referenced the head-scratching nature of Ryan Madson’s departure. The Royals signed Soria to a three year/$25 million contract.

Not all that different from the contract Madson signed with the A’s. So, why not just retain Madson? And holy cow that’s a lot of money for a sixth or seventh inning guy!

Next: Overpaying?