Royals have list of questions to answer this offseason

True enough, but even a quick look at the club’s finances reveals the difficulties facing Moore and his staff in their efforts to boost the existing talent pool.

The Royals currently have roughly $50 million allotted next season to nine players under guaranteed contracts: pitchers Kyle Farnsworth, Juan Cruz, Greinke, Meche and Soria; infielders Yuniesky Betancourt and Willie Bloomquist; and outfielders José Guillen and David DeJesus.

Next, they face decisions on 10-12 players eligible for arbitration. The uncertainty surrounds Gordon and Alberto Callaspo, who could qualify under the labor provision covering players with fewer than three full seasons of service.

The 10 who are definitely eligible: outfielder Mark Teahen, DH Mike Jacobs, catcher John Buck and pitchers Robinson Tejeda, Roman Colon, John Bale, Lenny DiNardo, Doug Waechter, Bannister and Davies.

Those 12 players are making $17.122 million this season in base salary. A conservative estimate boosts the group’s 2010 price to $23 million-$25 million.

See the problem? The Royals are already over budget before addressing those players — such as Butler and Luke Hochevar — who have yet to achieve eligibility for arbitration.

Nor does it allow any financial room for efforts to retain outfielder Coco Crisp, after exercising a $500,000 buyout on an $8 million option; or catcher Miguel Olivo, whose current deal carries a $3.25 million mutual option for 2010.

“We’ve got decisions to make this winter,” Moore said, “and, potentially, we’re going to have a lot of decisions to make in spring training. We’re going to try to create as much competition as we can so players are pushed.”

The Royals certainly will clear payroll by nontendering some players — the process by which clubs allow players to become free agents simply by declining to offer them a contract.

It’s hard to see Jacobs returning. He made $3.275 million but is batting just .226 with 18 homers and 60 RBIs (and 131 strikeouts) in 126 games. That salary also makes him difficult to trade, which positions him as a prime nontender candidate.

Similarly, there’s little chance of Buck ($2.9 million) and Olivo each returning. Cutting both would save $5.6 million but also create the need for a veteran catcher to team with rookie Brayan Peña.

Olivo is likely to pursue free-agency, by declining his option, unless he again gets a guarantee to enter the season as a starter. He might also walk in hopes of landing a multiyear deal elsewhere.

If Olivo bolts, the Royals face a decision on whether to stick with Buck, who is generally viewed by opposing scouts as a desirable backup catcher. But backups don’t command the $3 million-plus that Buck figures to get in arbitration.

Teahen’s salary should approach $5 million (maybe more). That’s pretty steep by industry standards for a guy whose career average is .269 while producing roughly 12 homers and 59 RBIs a season.

Even so, club officials privately say there is no chance that Teahen is nontendered. Instead, the Royals figure to shop him, but his projected salary makes that a tough sell when weighed against the chance for a meaningful return.

Callaspo once seemed a likely trade pawn, but the Royals are increasingly impressed that he’s maintained his production through the full season and believe he’s become a steadier second baseman since paired with Betancourt as a regular middle-infield partner.

To reach Bob Dutton, Royals reporter for The Star, send e-mail to bdutton@kcstar.com. Follow his updates at twitter.com/Royals_Report

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