Options abound if Royals have a rotation opening
The Royals know they need to upgrade their rotation if they are to be considered viable contenders in 2012.
They have already begun that process by trading for power left-hander Jonathan Sanchez, who was 4-7 with a 4.26 ERA in 19 starts last season with the Giants. They are also exploring other avenues for a starter via free agency or trade.
Here is how the rotation stands currently:
Right-hander Luke Hochevar, the 2011 Opening Day starter, right-hander Felipe Paulino and Sanchez are considered locks. Left-hander Danny Duffy, who was 4-8 with a 5.64 ERA in 20 starts as a rookie, has the inside track for a starting slot.
If the Royals re-sign veteran left-hander Bruce Chen, who was 12-8 with a 3.77 ERA in 25 starts last season, the rotation is full.
If Chen goes elsewhere, there are a number of in-house candidates. That list begins with right-hander Luis Mendoza, who was the Pacific Coast League pitcher of the year with a 12-5 record and league-best 2.18 ERA for Class AAA Omaha. Mendoza was 2-0 with a 1.23 ERA in two September starts for Kansas City.
Other contenders include right-handers Vin Mazzaro and Sean O'Sullivan, although neither was effective in the majors last year. Mazzaro had an 8.26 ERA in seven games (four starts), while O'Sullivan was 2-6 with a 7.25 ERA in a dozen games, 10 of them starts.
The Royals plan to look at two former relievers as starters in spring training. Left-hander Everett Teaford made three September starts after 23 relief appearances, and right-hander Aaron Crow was Kansas City's lone representative at the All-Star game as a rookie reliever.
Left-hander Mike Montgomery, 22, is considered the organization's best pitching prospect, but he struggled last season with Omaha. The Royals, however, plan to take a lengthy look at him in March, as he possesses overpowering stuff.
Right-hander Nate Adcock spent last season with the Royals after being a Rule 5 draft pitch from the Pirates, but he threw only 60 1/3 innings. He was used mostly as a long reliever, but did make three starts. He likely will start the season in the minors to gain more experience.
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