It Begins: Offseason Notes

We’re just days removed from the World Series and the action has begun.

The Royals have a relatively light set of decisions early on in the offseason.  David DeJesus’s option for 2011 has already been exercised.  They have some decisions to make as far as who to tender contracts to and who to let go as Gage examined already.  They only had one automatic free agent at the conclusion of the World Series – Bruce Chen.

The news today:

• Chen reportedly wants a multi-year deal starting in 2011.  After leading the Royals in wins with 12 and posting a 4.17 ERA, the lefty might find it somewhere, but Bob Dutton says it’s unlikely to come from the Royals. I’d welcome Chen back, but he’s just a year to year player to me.  Injuries and ineffectiveness forced him into a starter’s role full time in the second half and I don’t think he fits there long-term.
• The Royals claimed infielder Joaquin Arias off waivers from the Mets earlier today.  Arias, 26, has a career line of .276/.314/.362/.676 in 275 plate appearances since 2006.  He seems to be the replacement for Willie Bloomquist, as Arias has played every infield position in his big league career and has dabbled in the outfield as well.  With zero major league homers in his career, he’s pretty much the archetypal light-hitting utility player.  Arias was added to the 40 man roster, I assume in Chen’s vacated spot, as no corresponding move has been announced.

In the next couple days I’ll begin examining the 40 man roster to determine where the dead weight is, who needs to stay and who needs to be added.  It’ll be fun.

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