The Royals are quickly becoming the kings of the consolation prize. They wanted a hard hitting outfielder. Their preference was Andruw Jones, but instead they got Jose Guillen. They wanted a front line pitcher. Their preference was Hiroki Kuroda, but he signed with the Dodgers (gee, just like Andruw.) Now it looks like they've found their consolation prize in that respect as well, as according to Impacto Deportivo, they're close to signing Bartolo Colon.Now this isn't a ploy to make fun of the Royals for being the second banana in the free agent market. Royals fans are probably happy that they're at least some sort of banana in this off-season and being aggressive. There are plenty of teams that wish they can say the same thing about their favorite team.
But Colon's recent injury history is spotty at best, as his 28 starts the last two seasons are less than his 33 starts in '05, when he won the Cy Young Award. If this contract is heavy on the guarantees and light on the incentives, then those Royals fans are going to go through the '08 season keeping their fingers tightly crossed and while performing some sort of ritualistic dance to keep Colon healthy. Some in the Royals front office might be learning that dance at this moment.
Arm bashes all around: Metsblog, and MLB Trade Rumors
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. good guy, but not much left in the tank
he tends to get hurt easily.
Posted at 3:33PM on Jan 3rd 2008 by JOHNNY DEBAY
2. I give KC credit for at least trying...I'm sure Pirate fans would be happy with the same signings. Colon seems to be done, but you never know with pitchers. If he can give them innings, it'll be a decent signing.
Posted at 1:13AM on Jan 4th 2008 by Danno
3. IF it happens, expect an incentive laced contract (ie. Prior) and Bartolo to compete for the 4th or 5th spot in the rotation. Unlike the in the past, the Royals have some pitching, Bartolo would be insurance, not the expected ace.
Posted at 10:32AM on Jan 14th 2008 by TrickyODog