KANSAS CITY ROYALS

2005 finish: 56-106, 6^th place in AL Central

Manager: Buddy Bell (1^st full season)

Free agents: RHP Jose Lima, LHP Brian Anderson, RHP Scott Sullivan, IF/OF Joe McEwing, IF/OF Denny Hocking

On the block: 1B/DH Mike Sweeney, RHP Mike MacDougal, LHP Jeremy Affeldt

Looking for: A starting pitcher or two, power-hitting corner outfielder, second baseman, backup catcher

Incoming: LHP Bobby Madritsch

What’s going on: The only big salary belongs to Mike Sweeney at $22 million over the next two years. They have been hesitant to part with him, however, as the offers haven’t been enticing enough and there is no need for a salary dump. In fact, owner David Glass says he will add to the payroll after the club’s third 100-loss season in the last four, pushing it to about $50 million. That means GM Allard Baird can get in on the free-agent starting pitcher pool, starting right at the top with A.J. Burnett and Kevin Millwood. But more likely is veteran swingman Elmer Dessens, who also was courted by Colorado. A deal involving one of the young relievers — Mike MacDougal or Jeremy Affeldt — could be made to add offense or a starting pitcher. Jeromy Burnitz is a free-agent possibility. There isn’t much interest in retaining their free-agents, but a couple could be back. Lefty Bobby Madritsch, recovering from surgery and not likely to pitch until late next season, was claimed on waivers from Seattle. They also are exploring options at second base, including Mark Grudzielanek and Bret Boone, as they don’t think Andres Blanco is ready offensively.

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