Royals Sign 3

Archie Bunker · 12-16-2005, 09:22 AM

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/13423054.htm
Mientkiewicz, Grudzielanek, Elarton signing with Royals

By JEFF PASSANT
The Kansas City StarThe Royals needed a facelift after their 106-loss season, and they’re getting it. In one fell swoop.First baseman Doug Mientkiewicz, second baseman Mark Grudzielanek and starting pitcher Scott Elarton have all agreed to sign with Kansas City. The Royals are expected to hold an 11 a.m. news conference today announcing the moves, as well as the signing of backup catcher Paul Bako.

To make room for the four on the 40-man roster, the Royals will designate for assignment first baseman Ken Harvey _ their lone All-Star in 2004 _ outfielder Matt Diaz and relief pitchers Shawn Camp and Chris DeMaria.

Elarton’s contract is believed to be for two seasons, while Grudzielanek’s is for one with an option and Mientkiewicz and Bako’s straight one-year deals.

Together, the four bring 34 years of major-league experience, 66 games in the playoffs and a much-needed veteran presence to supplement Mike Sweeney and Matt Stairs while the Royals try to rebuild around their young core and ease the integration of top prospects Billy Butler and Alex Gordon.

Mientkiewicz, 31, spent the first 6½ seasons of his career with the Twins before being traded to Boston, where he caught the final out of the Red Sox’s first World Series victory in 86 years. He’s known for his defense, having won a Gold Glove in 2001, and is expected to play everyday at first base while the Royals shift Mike Sweeney to full-time designated hitter duty.

Grudzielanek, 35, is a line-drive hitter whose glove could help give the Royals among the best infield defenses in the American League. Though he’s a free swinger who rarely walks, Grudzielanek has hit over .300 three times and batted .294 with eight home runs and 59 RBIs in St. Louis last season. He’ll start at second base, making the just-acquired Esteban German the utility infielder.

Elarton, who turns 30 in February, will be in a rotation that includes Runelvys Hernandez, Zack Greinke and Mark Redman, obtained this offseason from Pittsburgh. A fly-ball pitcher, Elarton struggled for three years in Colorado _ where he played for Royals manager Buddy Bell _ after winning 17 games with Houston in 2000. The Rockies released him in May 2004, Cleveland scooped him up and he went 11-9 with a 4.61 ERA for the Indians last season.

Only a corner outfielder remains on the Royals’ checklist for offseason moves, and they’re thought to be the leaders for former Twins outfielder Jacque Jones.

12-16-2005, 09:22 AM	Topic Starter
Archie Bunker The Wait Is Over Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Random Small Town Casino cash: $1578978	Royals Sign 3 http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/13423054.htm Mientkiewicz, Grudzielanek, Elarton signing with Royals By JEFF PASSANT The Kansas City StarThe Royals needed a facelift after their 106-loss season, and they’re getting it. In one fell swoop.First baseman Doug Mientkiewicz, second baseman Mark Grudzielanek and starting pitcher Scott Elarton have all agreed to sign with Kansas City. The Royals are expected to hold an 11 a.m. news conference today announcing the moves, as well as the signing of backup catcher Paul Bako. To make room for the four on the 40-man roster, the Royals will designate for assignment first baseman Ken Harvey _ their lone All-Star in 2004 _ outfielder Matt Diaz and relief pitchers Shawn Camp and Chris DeMaria. Elarton’s contract is believed to be for two seasons, while Grudzielanek’s is for one with an option and Mientkiewicz and Bako’s straight one-year deals. Together, the four bring 34 years of major-league experience, 66 games in the playoffs and a much-needed veteran presence to supplement Mike Sweeney and Matt Stairs while the Royals try to rebuild around their young core and ease the integration of top prospects Billy Butler and Alex Gordon. Mientkiewicz, 31, spent the first 6½ seasons of his career with the Twins before being traded to Boston, where he caught the final out of the Red Sox’s first World Series victory in 86 years. He’s known for his defense, having won a Gold Glove in 2001, and is expected to play everyday at first base while the Royals shift Mike Sweeney to full-time designated hitter duty. Grudzielanek, 35, is a line-drive hitter whose glove could help give the Royals among the best infield defenses in the American League. Though he’s a free swinger who rarely walks, Grudzielanek has hit over .300 three times and batted .294 with eight home runs and 59 RBIs in St. Louis last season. He’ll start at second base, making the just-acquired Esteban German the utility infielder. Elarton, who turns 30 in February, will be in a rotation that includes Runelvys Hernandez, Zack Greinke and Mark Redman, obtained this offseason from Pittsburgh. A fly-ball pitcher, Elarton struggled for three years in Colorado _ where he played for Royals manager Buddy Bell _ after winning 17 games with Houston in 2000. The Rockies released him in May 2004, Cleveland scooped him up and he went 11-9 with a 4.61 ERA for the Indians last season. Only a corner outfielder remains on the Royals’ checklist for offseason moves, and they’re thought to be the leaders for former Twins outfielder Jacque Jones.
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