Kansas City Royals: Xavier Nady and 4 Other Potential Free Agent Targets

As the Kansas City Royals head into the 2010 offseason, they once again have many needs to be addressed on a team in dire need for talent.

The last few offseasons have not been very successful for the Royals as far as free agent signings have gone. KC will need to steer clear of washed-up players like Jose Guillen and Rick Ankiel this year.

Royals GM Dayton Moore has already expressed interest in getting a solid right-handed bat in his lineup and a good starting pitcher as well.

I have composed a short list of players that I believe the Royals could be going after this offseason.

5. Brad Penny

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CINCINNATI - MAY 16: Brad Penny #33 of the St. Louis Cardinals throws a pitch during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on May 16, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Penny is an 11-year veteran in the league and has played for a total of five teams during his career.

Last season, Penny was off to a solid start to the year, as he posted a 3.23 ERA in his first nine starts of the campaign. However, he suffered a back injury and wasn't able to make it back to the big leagues for the rest of the season.

Penny does have an impressive past, as he has posted two 16-win seasons and also been named an All-Star twice.

4. Brad Hawpe

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DENVER - MAY 12: Brad Hawpe #11 of the Colorado Rockies follows through on his two RBI triple to tie the score 3-3 against the Philadelphia Phillies in the seventh inning at Coors Field on May 12, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Rockies defeated the Philli

Veteran outfielder Brad Hawpe could be a good fit in Kansas City due to the power he possesses and his solid defense in right field.

After all, Hawpe might need a change of scenery after his dismal '10 season, which saw him hit just just .245 with nine homers and 44 RBI in just 103 games for the Rockies and Rays.

Obviously, the Royals would want more production out of Hawpe than that, and all signs point to it being just an off year for the LSU product, who has four 20-homer seasons and a career .279 batting average.

3. Scott Downs

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TORONTO - SEPTEMBER 23: Scott Downs #37 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Seattle Mariners during the game on September 23, 2010 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays defeated the Mariners 1-0. (Photo by Brad White/Getty

The Royals could use another solid left-handed arm in the pen and lefty, Scott Downs, could very well be that man.

In 2010, Downs posted an impressive .264 ERA in 67 games, while showing he has great control with just 14 walks in 61.1 innings pitched.

Downs could possibly take over the role of reliever Dusty Hughes if signed, as he would be a significant upgrade if KC can get him.

2. Justin Duchscherer

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SEATTLE - APRIL 12: Starting pitcher Justin Duchscherer #58 of the the Oakland Athletics pitches against the Seattle Mariners during the Mariners' home opener at Safeco Field on April 12, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

Duchscherer has a ton of talent, and he would fit a huge area of need by being penciled into the Royals' starting rotation, if healthy.

He has a career ERA of 3.13 in eight seasons and had a 2.54 ERA to go along with 10 wins in a magnificent '08 season, but he missed all of '09 with injuries.

He wouldn't come very cheap, but if KC can get him, they could shore up part of what has been a weak spot on the team over the last few years.

1. Xavier Nady

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SEATTLE - JUNE 22: Xavier Nady #22 of the Chicago Cubs bats against the Seattle Mariners on June 22, 2010 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Nady could be a good pickup for the Royals because he's only 32 and could still have some gas left in the tank as far as MLB service time goes.

He also can play multiple positions, such as different outfield spots and first base. Another thing that Nady could help the Royals with would be some more pop in a lineup that doesn't have much power in it at all.

It would still be somewhat of a gamble though, considering Nady has only averaged 62 games over the last two seasons and hit just six homers in that span.