Kansas City Royals sign four deals to strengthen their throwing unit – MLB News
Kansas City Royals were unable to achieve their desired results in 2011 season. However, the team management is now looking to strengthen their pitching and defence line-up, agreeing to one year contracts with pitchers Luke Hochevar, Felipe Paulino and Jonathan Sanchez and outfielder Mitch Maier.
Hochevar will be making $3.51 million this season after displaying some high quality throwing skills in 2011. He was the opening day starter for the Royals in 2011 and he will be looking to be more consistent this season. Paulino will be earning $1.9 million with a raise of $1.1 million from last season.
Sanchez has been brought in from San Francisco in exchange for outfielder Melky Cabrera, who signed a $ 6 million deal with the Giants on Tuesday. Sanchez is on a $5.6 million contract this year. To earn another huge pay at the end of 2012 season, he will be looking to be more consistent. The left handed pitcher will also be eligible for an additional $200,000 performance based bonuses.
Outfielder, Mitch Maier is reported to have signed to $ .865 million deal with the Royals. The team had earlier signed deals with infielder Chris Getz and catcher Brayan Pena. Club owner, David Glass certainly knows what he is doing. However, only the time will tell if he has made the right decisions.
“I know being the fourth guy, obviously if those guys perform and stay healthy, and do what they’re capable of doing, it’s gonna limit my playing time,” Maier said in an interview with a sporting website. “I’m going into spring training with an open mind. (I’m) looking for the opportunity to win a spot, and I wouldn’t treat it any different any year. You gotta earn what you get in this game.”
Alex Gordon is now the only remaining player without a contract. According to MLB.com, Gordon has asked for $5.5 million in arbitration, whereas the Royals have agreed to pay him $4.15 million. Both parties have shown great interest in signing a long term deal as Gordon does not hit free agency until the end of 2013 season.
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