And just as I posted my thoughts, this comes up.

That doesn't strike me as bad at all. He takes less money in 2013 to accommodate Santana's contract. Assume Santana is gone after next year, that frees up $12 million, basically Guthrie takes that spot and the Royals might be counting on in-house guys (Paulino, Duffy, Odorizzi, etc.) to help fill out the staff in 2014.

I'd still like to see a No. 1 or 2 type acquired to anchor the rotation the next 3 years or beyond.

I like it.

Bringing back Guthrie is a big step, and I'm interested to see how that third year is arranged. (EDIT: Jeremy Guthrie's deal is 3 years, $25 million according to Bob Dutton)

So, we know the rotation is going to include:

Santana
Guthrie

With Chen and Mendoza both in the running for a likely rotation spot. Hopefully, this signals the end for Luke Hochevar or a non-tender offer for Luke Hochevar.

Boy, if they could just bring in one more frontliner - that might be enough to compete assuming Santana is servicable.

Marcum maybe? Hometown kid - coming off injury, would probably sign at a discount.

For reference, 2012 pitcher salaries (keep in mind, this doesn't account for years on each player's deal - some better than others):

pitcher salaries

I am now going to move on to dreaming about a trade for David Price...

I like it. The third year may signal that we are serious about doing what it takes given the reality of free agency.

FAP City

We've got all our major trade pieces still in hand.

Always liked Jeremy Glad he got a good deal.

Damn I'm good:

They had to give a little more to backload the first year, it would appear.

You'd have loved to have only had to go 2 for him, but that wasn't terribly realistic. If the Royals wanted another reliable pitcher off the FA market with any track record at all, he was going to want 3 years.

If it pushes Luke off the team I am all for it. Also the low first year leaves money for another starter this year.

As expected, Royals Review is melting down about this.

greg schaum greg schaum ‏@Greg_Schaum

Plenty smoke KC not done- TB a hot team for KC- Shields, Archer, Colome, Markel and INF Lee mentioned ( Hosmer and/ or Myers would go)

Hosmer for Shields and Archer would be a decent deal.

Really though, if the Royals are going to deal Hosmer, I would think they could get Hellickson for him.

Hosmer for Hellickson and Archer would be a really nice deal for the Royals and it would be a pretty smart move for the Rays as well.

Bob Dutton‏@Royals_Report

#Royals GM Dayton Moore says any further additions will likely require corresponding payroll-clearing moves.



Like the Royals are spending too much money ... Give me a break!

Bob Dutton ‏@Royals_Report

#Royals GM Dayton Moore says any further additions will likely require corresponding payroll-clearing moves.



This is Just sad