Since the Royals have a knack for signing aged players on one year deals and apparently have no interest in bringing Mark Grudzielanek, the Royals should sign Ray Durham to a one year deal. Aviles would move to SS and the switch hitting Durham would play second. Durham wouldn't be blocking anyone considering Willie Bloomquist could be the Opening Day second baseman. Scary thought right there.
Durham is coming off a rebound year in '08 after a dismal '07 season. Durham hit .280/.380/.432 with just six homers in 128 games with the Giants and Brewers. As I previously pointed out, Durham is a switch hitter who has good on base skills which the Royals need. The Royals were 12th in the AL in runs per game last year and dead last in HRs and OBP. Durham would help that. The Royals have already added Coco Crisp and Mike Jacobs to help out, Durham would be a good fit for a year. He can even steal the occasional base. Durham will be a lot cheaper than the alternatives like Orlando Hudson or Orlando Cabrera.
1. DeJesus
2. Crisp
3. Gordon
4. Guillen
5. Butler
6. Jacobs
7. Durham
8. Olivo
9. Aviles
Makes for a better offense.