Winter Meeting Recap: Royals Favorites for Omar Infante, Johan Santana?

Aug 17, 2012; Washington, DC, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Johan Santana (57) throws in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Once again, all was quiet on the western front. Or, in this case, the southern front, since the Winter Meetings are in Orlando, Florida. Yet, while the Royals have yet to make any moves, there were a few nuggets of interest from today.

• Former Royals reliever Tommy Hottovy has found a new home, signing a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs. In his career, Hottovy appeared in 17 major league games, nine with the Royals last season, putting together a 4.05 ERA. However, Hottovy also has a 1.725 WHiP and has walked over five batters per nine innings. Chances are, he is a reliever in AAA unless injuries decimate the Cubs bullpen.
• The Royals may actually be the favorites to land Omar Infante. Battling the Yankees for yet another free agent target, the Royals are apparently willing to extend a four year offer to Infante, which the Yankees are apparently loathe to match. While Infante would serve to fill a hole in the infield and bring a solid defensive presence to the position. While four years may be a bit much, the Royals may still feel as though they need to overpay in order to bring players in.
• There is also news on the long awaited pitching reclamation project front. The Royals are one of eight teams to display interest in Johan Santana, as he looks to come back from his shoulder problems which have sidelined him two of the past three seasons, including all of 2013. Unless he receives an offer that he cannot refuse before then, Santana is planning on pitching in front of interested teams in January. If he looks healthy and has the same movement and velocity as he had previously, Santana could be an intriguing candidate for the Royals rotation in 2014.
• Finally, there is this tidbit from the Winter Meetings yesterday. Maybe Scott Boras and Jay-Z?

Tomorrow, the Winter Meetings wrap up with the Rule V draft. Should the Royals select anyone, or have anyone selected from their roster, we will get our reaction out to you as soon as possible.