Imagine trying to recruit a free agent pitcher who is 34 years old and has never won a playoff series. Now imagine you are recruiting for a team that has posted seven straight losing seasons, including the most recent one that included a franchise-tying 106 losses.
That was the task facing Kansas City Royals GM J.J. Piccollo when he set out for a second straight winter to sign righthander Seth Lugo. After losing out to the San Diego Padres last season, Piccollo got his man this time. How in the world does a 106-loss team win the bidding for a veteran starter?
