Power outage doesn’t have Royals looking at Bonds, Thomas
By BOB DUTTON
The Kansas City Star
Could a proven slugger such as Barry Bonds and Frank Thomas be the tonic the Royals need to unlock their slumbering attack?
The Royals, at this point, show no interest in finding out.
“I don’t think so,” general manager Dayton Moore said. “We’re always examining opportunities, but right now, we’re committed to the players we have. We feel we need to find out what we have not only for this year but for the future.”
Thomas, 39, appeared close to a deal Wednesday with the Oakland A’s after being released last Sunday by the Toronto Blue Jays. Bonds, 43, has yet to attract any interest as a free agent despite being baseball’s career leader in home runs.
As of Wednesday, the Royals were ranked last among American League teams in runs, total bases and slugging percentage. They were averaging just 3.2 runs per game and had scored three runs or fewer in five of their six previous games.
“We knew there would be times this year when we would struggle offensively,” Moore said. “We knew that before spring training. It’s going to be like that until some of our younger players become consistent performers.”
The club’s big offseason move to bolster its offense, signing free-agent outfielder José Guillen to a three-year contract for $36 million, has yet to produce dividends.
Guillen is batting just .165 with 13 hits in 79 at-bats, including one homer and nine RBIs, in 20 games. He wasn’t scheduled to start Wednesday after striking out four times in Tuesday’s 15-1 loss.
“I thought it would be a good mental blow for José,” manager Trey Hillman said. “He’s been through a lot and, obviously, (Tuesday) night was a difficult night from a performance standpoint.
“His performance level is not up to his expectations. Sometimes, guys need mental blows. I think this was one of those times.”
The Royals have limited options if looking internally for an offensive boost. Outfielder Shane Costa is batting .329 at Class AAA Omaha, but he has never been able to carry his minor-league success into the big leagues.
Shortstop Mike Aviles is also batting .329 and has a club-leading 16 RBIs. But the Royals are already overstocked with middle infielders — Tony Peña, Alberto Callaspo and Esteban German — and none have options available.
The need for the Royals to inject some muscle into their lineup fueled speculation that they might take a look at Bonds or Thomas.
SI.com recently quoted Bonds’ agent, Jeff Borris, as saying no team has made any offer for Bonds — even at the minimum salary of $390,000. Bonds is still working out in hopes of continuing his career after batting .276 last season in 126 games for the Giants with 28 homers and 66 RBIs.
Thomas had just 10 hits in 60 at-bats when released by the Blue Jays, but he batted .277 last season in 155 games with 26 homers and 95 RBIs.
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