[penbrook]

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

5th rotation options next year:

Internal:
Christian Binford, Brandon Finnegan, John Lamb, Liam Hendriks

If the Royals try to fill this spot internally, there are not a lot of great/proven options. Lamb has never quite recovered from his Tommy John surgery, though he has shown flashes at times. Hendriks is just a guy/emergency starter. Binford blew through the minors in 2014 but doesn't have much experience at Omaha as a starting pitcher and has only made 8 starts above AA. He's not a "stuff" guy, but he gets results. Finnegan won't need to build up innings, but he hasn't worked through the upper minors as a starter.

End result: Trying to fill the spot internally from Day 1 seems like a stretch unless someone makes a huge leap in spring training.

Trade
Trading for a pitcher like Ian Kennedy might cost a little in terms of talent surrendered, but there are sure to be quality SPs available via trade.

End result: This is probably the safest route for the Royals to take to add a 5th pitcher, but it could be costly in prospects.

Free Agency:
This is the riskiest method for the Royals in terms of commitment and money, but finding a second-tier guy who can eat innings and who likely "pitches up" playing in the K with this D behind him.

Brandon McCarthy is not a bad suggestion, though I wonder what type of deal/years he's going to be looking for.

Ultimately, I think they sign a second-tier guy in FA or make a trade. They'll be serious about winning again next year, and it's hard to imagine doing that with Liam Hendriks as your No. 5 starter at the beginning of the year.

Hendriks got traded to the Blue Jays about a hr ago. We are getting a catcher in return