Royals 2014 FanSided Faux-Winter Meetings Update

Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Now, to balance out the roster, there are two more free agent offers on the board. First, with the trading of Tim Collins, the Royals need a second lefty reliever. Yes, I am aware that Francisley Bueno is on the roster, but I am not sold that he is really the answer to that problem. So, I have turned to free agency.

Sitting there is Joe Thatcher, who, over his career, has held left handed hitters to a .230/.289/.351 batting line. While he may not possess the type of velocity that has been characteristic of the Royals bullpen over the past few seasons, Thatcher’s cutter/slider combination has worked to generate an impressive amount of weak fly balls. Kauffman Stadium may be the perfect landing spot for this lefty specialist. Since he earned $2.375 Million last year, a slight raise to $2.5 Million was offered for next year.

Now, to turn our attention to the outfield/designated hitter platoon. When Dyson is not in the field, and Carlos Quentin is playing right, the Royals will need a designated hitter that can hit lefties. As such, I turned my sights to a player who was considered a possible trade target last year, Jonny Gomes.

While Gomes may appear to be more of a clubhouse guy than anything else, the one thing he can truly do is hit lefties, and with power. Throughout his career, Gomes has posted a .277/.376/.485 batting line with 62 home runs against lefties. On those days when Dyson is unable to play due to the matchups, or when a lefty reliever comes in, Gomes would be a solid player to have around. Therefore, I offered him a one year deal at $2 Million.

Those last two moves would effectively fill out the roster for the 2015 season, while keeping payroll at roughly the same amount. What do you think of those moves? Do you have any suggestions or other free agents that you would think could be a fit for the Royals? Let us know!