Kansas City Star: Royals

Ex-Royal Mike Jacobs appears to be headed back to Mets

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:48 CST

First baseman Mike Jacobs, cut loose last December by the Royals, is poised to return to the New York Mets in an attempt to resurrect his career.

Royals sign Marte, Bianchi to one-year deals

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:15 CST

The Royals reached one-year contract agreements Monday with reliever Victor Marte and minor-league infielder Jeff Bianchi. Terms were not disclosed, but both deals are believed to split contracts with the major-league portion at or near the $400,000 minimum.

Royals sign reliever Marte, infielder Bianchi

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:36 CST

The Royals signed pitcher Victor Marte and infielder Jeff Bianchi to big-league contracts on Monday.

Royals land national Sunday night game on ESPN

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:15 CST

The Royals’ 97-loss season has apparently garnered the attention of ESPN, which considers the 2010 version of the Royals worthy of a stand-alone game in prime time against the Angels on July 4 at Anaheim. If Zack Greinke isn’t pitching, maybe the nation will finally notice Billy Butler.

Royals finalize deals with three pitchers, catcher Pina

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:34 CST

The Royals finalized major-league contracts with left-handed pitchers Dusty Hughes and Edgar Osuna, right-handed pitcher Blake Wood and catcher Manny Pina.

Ankiel picks Royals for chance to play center field

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:15 CST

Rick Ankiel is here, with the Royals, and it’s in large part because he wants to play center field. That makes him the fourth player to think he’s the starting center fielder since the disappointing 2009 season ended. This one figures to stick.

Royals introduce Rick Ankiel, whose athleticism impresses team

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:39 CST

Rick Ankiel's first appearance in Kansas City came in a suit with blue tie and blue shirt, no doubt hoping the opportunity with the Royals helps establish him as one of the better outfielders on the free agent market next winter.

Ankiel's deal with Royals now official, news conference later today

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:45 CST

Rick Ankiel's one-year contract with the Royals was finalized and signed this morning after a physical, and he's expected to be introduced at a press conference this afternoon.

Royals' signing of Ankiel is baffling

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 22:15 CST

Friday, the Royals and outfielder Rick Ankiel agreed to a $3.25 million deal. Several brilliant readers have asked me what I think about this … and I have to admit complete bafflement on the subject.

Royals snag outfielder Ankiel

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 22:15 CST

Rick Ankiel, the former Cardinals phenom pitcher-turned-outfielder, is on the move to Kansas City after agreeing to a one-year deal with the Royals, who may make him their new center fielder. The deal will need the weekend to be made final. Formalities such as a physical most likely will delay any announcement until Monday.

Greinke savors Negro Leagues museum honor

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:15 CST

Awards shows aren’t really Zack Greinke’s thing. He could do without the attention, the suits and especially the speeches. But he also holds a genuine affection for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, which is why he wanted to go by the 18th and Vine district on Thursday afternoon to personally pick up the Wilber “Bullet” Rogan Award as the American League’s most outstanding pitcher.

Greinke picks up Negro Leagues Baseball Museum award

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:37 CST

Awards shows aren't really Zack Greinke's thing. He could do without the attention, the suits, and especially the speeches.

Gordon, Tejeda more than double salaries as Royals avoid arbitration

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:15 CST

Alex Gordon and Robinson Tejeda, the Royals’ only two arbitration cases, each agreed to one-year contracts on Tuesday. Gordon will make $1.15 million this year, Tejeda will make $950,000. Each more than doubled his 2009 salary, which is typical for first-year arbitration players.

Splittorff gets back to the broadcast booth

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:15 CST

Your TV might have been showing a fast-food ad or something, but one of the most telling moments of Paul Splittorff’s first game broadcast in nearly 10 months came during a break of Kansas-Texas Tech hoops last weekend. Splittorff looked around and smiled. His partners during the game were Dave Armstrong and Jon Sundvold, friendships that go back a combined 50 years or so. If there was an easy way to slide back into broadcasting, this was it.

Royals avoid arbitration with Gordon, Tejeda

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:11 CST

Alex Gordon and Robinson Tejeda, the Royals' only two arbitration cases, each agreed to one-year contracts on Tuesday.

Ex-Royal Jose Offerman banned for life from Dominican winter league

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:32 CST

Jose Offerman was banned for life by the Dominican winter league for throwing a punch at an umpire during an argument on the baseball field.

Royals invite four more prospects to spring training

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:03 CST

Royals prospects Danny Duffy, Mike Moustakas, David Lough and Derrick Robinson have been invited to big-league spring training.

FanFest time of optimism for Royals, fans

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 22:15 CST

Alex Gordon says no more talk about his hip. Just baseball. Brian Bannister says he feels 100 percent and ready to become the reliable big-league starter so many look for. Mike Aviles smiles as he offers a strong handshake and says he’ll be ready to play by April. David DeJesus says sure, the Royals haven’t added the bigger names of offseasons past, but, hey, they’ve got more depth than ever this year.

Royals honor Greinke, others during annual awards ceremony

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:15 CST

Zack Greinke is the American League Cy Young Award winner now, it’s part of his biography, and part of his title. When he’s introduced, it will be as Cy Young winner Zack Greinke. This is a life-changing thing, a lasting legacy — or, at least, that’s what you might assume. Not so much for Greinke.

Royals FanFest starts today

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:15 CST

The Royals FanFest is from 1 to 9 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Overland Park Convention Center. Today, Royals Cy Young winners Bret Saberhagen, David Cone and Zack Greinke will sign autographs from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and members of the 1985 World Series champions, including Steve Balboni, Buddy Biancalana, George Brett, Danny Jackson, Dennis Leonard, Hal McRae, Frank White and Willie Wilson, are expected to attend. Tickets are $14 for adults, $8 for ages 6-17 and children 5 and under are free. Opening-day tickets

Royals hire former manager Ned Yost as an advisor

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:15 CST

Ned Yost is now with the Royals, the former Brewers manager joining a team where the current manager has taken some criticism. So the instinct is to wonder if the Royals just bought an insurance policy on Trey Hillman. Not so, says general manager Dayton Moore.

Royals' annual award ceremony set for tonight

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:15 CST

The Royals will have their annual awards ceremony tonight at the Overland Park Convention Center. The event is sold out. Former Royals Cy Young winners David Cone and Bret Saberhagen will be among tonight’s presenters as Zack Greinke, last season’s AL Cy Young winner, will receive the Bruce Rice Pitcher of the Year award. George Brett and Mike Sweeney are also among the presenters. Most of the awards are for the Royals top minor-league players. •Dan Quisenberry Special Achievement Award

Royals hire ex-Brewers manager Yost as special adviser

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:31 CST

The Royals on Wednesday hired former Milwaukee Brewers manager Ned Yost as special adviser to baseball operations.

Royals sign reliever Herges to minor-league deal

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:39 CST

The Royals signed veteran right-handed reliever Matt Herges to a minor league contract with an invitation to big league spring training.

Royals designate Luis Hernandez for assignment

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 10:54 CST

To make room for the newly signed Scott Podsednik, the Royals designated infielder Luis Hernandez for assignment.

Royals agree with outfielder Podsednik on one-year deal

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 22:15 CST

Scott Podsednik says he’s equally comfortable in left and center field. That’s good, because the Royals may be equally open to him in either spot. Podsednik joined the Royals on Friday after agreeing on a one-year contract worth a guaranteed $1.75 million with an option for 2011. He mostly split time between left and center for the White Sox last year, and the Royals are at least considering moving David DeJesus back to center after he played last season in left.

Royals sign outfielder Podsednik

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:16 CST

Scott Podsednik says he's equally comfortable in left and center field. That's good, because the Royals may be equally open to him in either spot. Podsednik comes to the Royals on a one-year contract with a $1.75 million guarantee and option for 2011.

Cuban defector Arguelles signs with Royals

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:15 CST

Visa issues taken care of, the Royals officially announced what’s been known for a month now: Cuban defector Noel Arguelles has signed a five-year major-league contract. The deal is for $7 million, plus an extra $2 million in incentives. Arguelles, who will turn 20 next week, is a left-handed pitcher with a fastball that reached 94 mph while with the Cuban national team. He also has a good change-up and curveball, though his control needs to improve.

Royals officially sign pitcher Noel Arguelles

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:35 CST

Visa issues taken care of, the Royals officially announced what's been known for a month now: Cuban defector Noel Arguelles has signed a five-year major-league contract. The deal is for $7 million, plus an extra $2 million in incentives.

Royals sign two to minor-league deals

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 22:15 CST

The Royals signed two players Wednesday to minor-league contracts: left-handed pitcher Nelson Payano and outfielder Jorge Bonifacio. Payano, 27, spent six minor leagues seasons in the Braves and Mariners organizations before pitching in Japan last year, where he was 0-2 with a 2.68 ERA with 16 strikeouts and five walks in 13 2/3 innings.

Royals sign two to minor-league deals

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:54 CST

The Royals signed two players to minor-league contracts: left-handed pitcher Nelson Payano and outfielder Jorge Bonifacio.

Royals add Brian Anderson to outfield

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 22:15 CST

The Royals and outfielder Brian Anderson agreed to a one-year contract worth $700,000 on Tuesday. Anderson hit .243 with four homers and 18 RBIs in 86 games for the Red Sox and White Sox last year. He figures to compete with Mitch Maier to be starting center fielder. Willie Bloomquist could also get some time in center.

Royals sign outfielder Anderson

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:58 CST

The Royals and outfielder Brian Anderson agreed to a one-year contract worth $700,000 on Tuesday.

Coco Crisp reportedlty to sign with A's

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 22:15 CST

A former Royal is about to sign with another American League team. Outfielder Coco Crisp has reportedly been plucked from the crop of available free agents. The Oakland Athletics were closing in on a deal Sunday with him on a one-year contract with a club option for the 2011 season. Crisp provided Kansas City with solid early returns before shoulder surgery ended his season, Crisp’s first with the Royals, prematurely.

The Royals' decade

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:15 CST

January 2000: David Glass steps down as president and CEO of Wal-Mart. “This will free me up to spend a little more time to do the things that I have a real passion for,” he says. Glass makes his son Dan team president and hires Allard Baird as general manager. •Aug. 3, 2000: The Royals suspend Carlos Beltran for refusing to report to Florida to rehab his right knee. “This shocks me,” Baird says. “I just want them to respect my rights,” Beltran says.

Royals had their unforgettable moments during the bad 2000s

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:15 CST

There is a good case to be made that the Royals are baseball’s worst team of the 2000s.

Royals sign OF Costa to minor-league deal

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:43 CST

The Royals signed outfielder Shane Costa to a minor league contract that does not include an invitation to big league spring training.

Royals announce team award winners

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:23 CST

The Royals announced their organizational award winners, to be presented at a banquet next month headlined by Zack Greinke and Billy Butler.

Royals sign RHP Humber to minor-league deal

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:07 CST

The Royals signed right-handed pitcher Philip Humber to a minor-league contract with an invitation to big-league spring training.

Boston sends cash to Royals, completing Hulett trade

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:30 CST

The Royals received cash instead of a player from the Red Sox on Tuesday, completing last month's trade that sent IF Tug Hulett to Boston.