Batting First

What the hell are the Royals thinking?

"As the Winter Meetings came to a close on Thursday, the Kansas City Royals created one of the biggest splashes of the gathering, signing free-agent starting pitcher Gil Meche to a five-year contract for a reported $55 million.

It was an out-of-character move for the normally tight-fisted Royals. And Meche, 28, while he has always been considered to be a pitcher of considerable promise, has a 55-44 career record with a 4.65 ERA. His most productive season was 2003, when he went 15-13 with a 4.59 ERA. These are not numbers that appear to command a $55-million deal, particularly from a team that has historically operated under budgetary restrictions."

If Gil was this mediocore with a less than stellar Mariner club, how the hell are the Royals going to get this guy wins? Angel Berroa is going to save the day defensively? Mike Sweeney's faith in the lord will get the Royals to drive in more runs? Reggie Sanders will actually stay with the team another season? I don't get it.

If the Royals are going to end their thrifty ways, why not lure Doctor K himself out of jail and Hideki Irabu away from the Hibachi table.