 11/26/2003 6:42 PM ET
Randa, Leskanic, Anderson re-sign
Three key free agents ink deals to return to Royals
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By Robert Falkoff / MLB.com
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KANSAS CITY -- The Royals kicked off their Thanksgiving
weekend with a bang Wednesday by gobbling up the three top free agents on
their revised retention wish list.
The signings of third baseman Joe
Randa, left-hander Brian Anderson and reliever Curtis Leskanic were
announced in one boisterous swoop, giving Kansas City a big holiday boost
in its quest to solidify the meaty part of the roster for another run at
an American League Central title.
After free agent outfielder Raul Ibañez signed with Seattle
last week, the Royals moved on from that disappointment and identified
Randa, Anderson and Leskanic as the in-house free agents they most needed
to sign.
Kansas City was facing a Dec. 7 deadline because it was not in
position to offer arbitration to those players or other Royals free
agents.
Any Royals free agent who isn't signed by Dec. 7 could therefore
not play for Kansas City until May 1 of next season.
Anderson signed a two-year deal while Randa received a one-year
contract with a mutual option and Leskanic received a one-year contract
with a club option.
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