The Royals signed four free agents on Friday: first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz , second baseman Mark Grudzielanek , starting pitcher Scott Elarton and back-up catcher Paul Bako (bah-co).
Mientkiewicz —One-year deal, $1.85 million. He’s expected to share time with Matt Stairs and Mike Sweeney at first. He hit .240 in 87 games for the Mets with 11 home runs. He was a gold Glove Winner in 2000 with the Twins.
Grudzielanek—-One-year deal, $ 4 million with an option for a second year if he gets 500 plate appearances. Hit .294 with the Cardinals last year with 59 RBI’s.
Elarton—-Two-year deal, $8 million. He went 11-9 with a 4.61 ERA with the Indians last season.
Bako—One-year, $700,000. He battled an injured knee last season and played just 13 games for the Dodgers. He will back up John Buck.