Speculation is mounting that Royals general manager Allard Baird could be fired this week as the rebuilding team's struggles continue. Baird, who became GM in June 2000, has spent 18 years in the Royals' system and is signed through this season. He was credited for directing the team's strong turnaround in 2003 and concentrating on minor-league development. But the Royals have had back-to-back 100-loss seasons and have baseball's worst record this year at 7-22.