Jan. 12--The Royals signed five players to minor-league contracts with invitations to big-league spring training on Monday.
Catcher John Suomi, who spent last season in the Phillies organization, is the only player coming in from outside the Royals system. Suomi, 28, split last season between Class AA and Class AAA, was acquired by the Royals in last month's minor league Rule 5 draft. The other players with invites to big-league camp:
Outfielder Derrick Robinson, 21, who will be presented the Willie Wilson baserunner of the year award at the Royals awards dinner on Friday.
Outfielder Jose Duarte, 23, who hit .250 with 28 stolen bases for Class AA Northwest Arkansas.
Catcher Cody Clark, 27, who hit .184 in 40 games for Northwest Arkansas.
Catcher Jeff Howell, 25, who hit .259 for Class A Wilmington
| Sam Mellinger, smellinger@kcstar.com
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