Jan. 9--It's not the pizzazz of Rafael Furcal, but the Royals did address the middle infield on Friday by finalizing a two-year deal worth $3 million with veteran Willie Bloomquist.
Bloomquist, 31, hit .279 with a .377 on-base percentage in 71 games for the Mariners last year. He'll compete with Alberto Callaspo to be the regular second baseman, with the ability to also play the outfield and some shortstop.
"I feel a lot more comfortable with our depth in the middle of the diamond with Willie," said Royals general manager Dayton Moore, "and the type of leadership he's going to bring to our clubhouse."
Bloomquist was always a part-time player in Seattle, never appearing in more than 102 games.
He doesn't have much power -- six homers among 58 career extra-base hits and a .324 career slugging percentage -- but stole 14 bases last year while being caught just three times.
He played all three outfield spots and every infield position but first base last year. In his career, he's played every position but pitcher and catcher.
With virtually the same number of plate appearances last season, Callaspo had the better batting average (.305 to .279) and slugging percentage (.371 to .285). Bloomquist had the better on-base percentage (.377 to .361), is a faster base-runner, and would be an upgrade defensively.
"There's more competition in spring training with the Kansas City Royals certainly since I've been here," Moore said. "That's what you have to do. Create versatility, depth and competition, and that's what I believe we've done."
Davies agrees
Kyle Davies and the Royals avoided arbitration, agreeing to a one-year contract worth $1.3 million.
Davies was 9-7 with a 4.06 ERA in 21 starts and 113 innings last year, including 4-1 with a 2.27 ERA in September.
Brian Bannister, John Buck, Jimmy Gobble, Zack Greinke, Mike Jacobs and Mark Teahen are the Royals' remaining arbitration cases.
The Royals have settled every arbitration case they've had since Moore took over.
To reach Sam Mellinger, Baseball reporter for The Star, call 816-234-4365 or send e-mail to smellinger@kcstar.com
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