You guys have three more years of me.

After talk that the KC Royals wanted Jeremy Guthrie back in their rotation and Guthrie wanted to return to Kansas City, the two sides got a deal done.

Guthrie re-signed for three years and a combined salary of $25 million. He’ll make $5 million this coming season, $11 million in 2014, and $9 million in 2015.

I like Guthrie and how he pitched over 11 of his final 12 starts. I named him my Royals Starter of the Year. I wanted to see him return to the Royals to see if he could duplicate his second half over an entire season. Plus, he’s a good clubhouse guy.

My issue is with the three years (which is the only way he would sign). The Royals NEED an ace (or at least someone who resembles one). Ervin Santana could be that guy, but after last season, I wouldn’t count on it. Guthrie served as Baltimore’s ace for about five years, but he is definitely not one. Also, he’s 33 years old, which means he will be 36 at the end of his contract. It’s a risky move, but hopefully it will pay off.

Now their rotation figures to be Santana, Bruce Chen, Guthrie, Luke Hochevar (in some combination), and a battle among about a dozen for the fifth spot. That’s still a weak rotation.

The Royals insist they are not done dealing, but right now, their rotation is looking a little full. But you can never have enough pitching, right?

Maybe they can move the inconsistent Hochevar?