--Published reports have connected the Royals to free agent UT Jerry Hairston Jr., who had a .427 on-base percentage, but Kansas City may lack the funds to sign him.
--RHP Luke Hudson, who missed last season while recovering from right shoulder surgery, has re-signed with the Royals, getting a minor league contract with an invitation to the major league spring training camp. He is 17-18 with a 5.11 ERA in five seasons in the majors with the Royals and Reds. --The Royals have moved three minor league managers for next season. Brian Rupp, who managed low Class A Burlington (Iowa) to the Midwest League championship, will manage the high Class A Wilmington (Del.) team in 2009. Former Wilmington manager Darryl Kennedy will run the Royals' extended spring program in Surprise (Ariz.) and then manage the Idaho Falls rookie-level club in the Pioneer League. Jim Gabella, who managed Idaho Falls last season, will return to Burlington as manager. He managed the Bees for four season previously.
--RHP Dan Cortes, who is considered the Royals' top pitching prospect, struggled in the Arizona Fall League, going 0-3 with a 7.24 ERA for the Surprise Rafters. He allowed 37 hits in 27 1/3 innings. He also walked 15, hit three and struck out 26.
--OF Joe Dickerson went 28-for-104 (.269) in 25 games with Surprise in the Arizona Fall League. He had three home runs, four doubles, two triples, 12 RBIs and two stolen bases in five attempts.
--LHP Rowdy Hardy, who was the Royals' minor league pitcher of the year in 2007, was 1-2 with a 6.97 ERA in 13 appearances, all in relief, in the Arizona Fall League. Hardy permitted 23 runs, 16 earned, and 26 hits in 20 2/3 innings.
BY THE NUMBERS: 5.01, 3.57 -- Royals' ERA in August, when they went 7-20, and in September, when they went 18-8.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "A lot of things can happen between now and Opening Day with regard to our roster. As I've said many times over the last few months, we're going to put the best team we can on the field." -- Royals general manager Dayton Moore.
