K.C. will not vest options on Randa, Gonzalez
Kansas City, Mo. ? The Royals will not pick up the 2005 options for third baseman Joe Randa and outfielder Juan Gonzalez.
Randa, who went 0-for-3 Sunday, finished the season with a .287 batting average, eight homers and 56 RBIs. His option called for a $3.25 million salary.
Gonzalez, who played in just 33 games this season, would have cost the Royals $7 million next year.
The Royals also sent six players to the minors Sunday after losing their franchise-record 104th game.
Outfielders Dee Brown, Aaron Guiel and Wilton Guerrero were outrighted, along with catcher Alberto Castillo and right-handers Matt Kinney and Justin Huisman. Castillo and Guerrero each can select free agency since they have five years of major-league service.
The Royals also announced that third-base coach John Mizerock and interim pitching coach Mike Mason would not return in their current roles.
Guy Hansen will take over pitching-coach duties, while Joe Jones will be the first-base coach. Luis Silverio will move from first- to third-base coach.
Mizerock and Mason will be offered jobs in the Royals organization.
Hansen was the Royals’ pitching coach from 1991-93.