Chen oozes optimism
Bruce Chen sounded like a friendly older brother, lavishing compliments on his teammates and positing an upbeat narrative for 2012. Chen returned to Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday to formalize the two-year, $9 million deal he agreed to last week, and he provided a few insights into why a return to Kansas City was so appealing. Chen, a 34-year-old left-hander, turned down offers from the Twins and Cubs. And at least one team offered more guaranteed money, Chen says. Simple truth, Chen says, is he believes in what the Royals are building. “I think we have the necessary pieces to contend,” said Chen, who was 12-8 with a 3.77 ERA in 25 starts in 2011.The starting rotation may have been a weakness in 2011, Chen said, but he believes it can improve. •ROYALS SIGN HOTTOVY: Park Hill South graduate Tommy Hottovy signed a minor-league deal with the Royals.Hottovy, a left-handed reliever, made his major-league debut for Boston in 2011 after eight seasons in the minors. He allowed three runs in four innings over eight appearances.
Bruce Chen sounded like a friendly older brother, lavishing compliments on his teammates and positing an upbeat narrative for 2012. Chen returned to Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday to formalize the two-year, $9 million deal he agreed to last week, and he provided a few insights into why a return to Kansas City was so appealing. Chen, a 34-year-old left-hander, turned down offers from the Twins and Cubs. And at least one team offered more guaranteed money, Chen says. Simple truth, Chen says, is he believes in what the Royals are building. “I think we have the necessary pieces to contend,” said Chen, who was 12-8 with a 3.77 ERA in 25 starts in 2011.The starting rotation may have been a weakness in 2011, Chen said, but he believes it can improve. •ROYALS SIGN HOTTOVY: Park Hill South graduate Tommy Hottovy signed a minor-league deal with the Royals.Hottovy, a left-handed reliever, made his major-league debut for Boston in 2011 after eight seasons in the minors. He allowed three runs in four innings over eight appearances.
