Royals interested in Baldwin

[spe725]

Hey, at least he's cheap!

Baldwin agrees to minor league deal with Royals

January 23, 2003
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Right-hander James Baldwin agreed Thursday to a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals and was invited to spring training as a non-roster player.

Baldwin, who went 7-10 with 5.28 ERA in 23 starts with the Seattle Mariners last season, would get a $575,000, one-year contract if he's added to the major league roster and the chance to earn $675,000 more in performance bonuses.

His best major league season came in 2000 with the White Sox. He opened the season 7-0 and finished with a 14-7 record and a 4.65 ERA in 28 starts. He was the winning pitcher at that year's All-Star game.

Baldwin had rotator cuff surgery after that season.

General manager Allard Baird said the Royals hope to add another veteran to their bullpen before pitchers and catchers report to spring training on Feb. 14 at their new training camp in Surprise, Ariz.