National Baseball Report

Late Monday Links

Here are some stories to end your Monday:

• Dan Le Batard says that fans don't need to roll their eyes when Chris Coghlan gives glory to God.
• Joe Frisaro discusses Cody Ross' progress on defense and at the plate.
• Morgan Campbell reports that Roy Halladay's desire for a trade is not new.
• Ron Chimelis reports that the Boston Red Sox haven't figured Jason Bay out at all.
• Larry Stone reports that the Seattle Mariners have added three new pro scouts.
• Dick Kaegel reports that Kansas City Royals' first baseman Billy Butler is happy with his progress at the position.
• Jennifer Langosh reports that the Pittsburgh Pirates are keeping an eye on the catching market.

Royals sign Campillo to a minor league deal

The Kansas City Royals signed right-handed pitcher Jorge Campillo to a minor league contract.  Campillo missed most of 2009 with shoulder tendinitis.  He was 1-0 with a 4.15 ERA in five games for the Atlanta Braves.  Campillo played with Royals' closer Joakim Soria in the World Baseball Classic and in Mexico.

Source: Dick Kaegel - MLB.com

Royals sign Edwin Bellorin to a minor league contract

The Kansas City Royals signed Edwin Bellorin to a minor league contract.  Bellorin played in the Colorado Rockies' orgranization in 2009.  Bellorin hit .277 with one home run, 28 RBI, a .308 OBP and a .660 OPS in 57 games in Triple-A in 2009.

Source: Dick Kaegel - MLB.com

Royals sign Wilson Betemit

Thursday, 10:16am: The Kansas City Royals have announced the signing of Wilson Betemit. He spent most of 2009 in Triple-A.

"His Major League statistics are solid," Royals general manager Dayton Moore said. "I think he's got like a .324 on-base percentage and he's a switch-hitter and can play multiple positions. I don't know where he'll fit in, but it's depth for the system and he'll get a chance to compete for a job in Spring Training."

Source: Dick Kaegel - MLB.com

Wednesday, 9:35pm: The Kansas City Royals are expected to sign utility player Wilson Betemit to a minor league contract soon.  Betemit hit .200 in 20 games for the White Sox in 2009.  He is a switch hitter who can play all infield positions.

Source: Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi - FOX Sports

Royals outright DiNardo and Yabuta

Dick Kaegel reports that the Kansas City Royals outrighted pitchers Lenny DiNardo and Yasuhiko Yabuta to Triple-A.  Both pitchers can become free agents.  The moves leave the Royals with 36 players on their 40-man roster.

Royals outright John Bannister

Dick Kaegel reports that the Kansas City Royals reduced their 40-man roster by outrighting pitcher John Bannister to Triple-A Omaha.  The Royals claimed Bannister on waivers August 11 from the Texas Rangers.  He went 1-0 with a 5.02 ERA in 14.1 innings in Double-A for Kansas City.

Royals decline options on Olivo, Crisp and Yabuta

Dick Kaegel reports that the Kansas City Royals declined options on catcher Miguel Olivo, center fielder Coco Crisp and relief pitcher Yasuhiko Yabuta.

Olivo had a mutual option.  He was the primary catcher for most of the season in 2009.  The Royals chose to buyout Olivo for $100,000 instead of paying him $3.3 million in 2010.  Olivo hit .249 with 23 home runs and 65 RBI in 2009.

The Royals bought out Crip's contract for $500,000 instead of paying him $8 million for 2010.  Crisp was acquired prior to the 2009 season in a trade with the Boston Red Sox.  Crisp missed most of 2009 because of surgery on both of his shoulders.  Crisp hit just .228 with three home runs and 14 RBI in 49 games.

Yabuta spent most of his two years with the Royals in the minor leagues.

Royals - White Sox trade official

Dick Kaegel reports that the rumored trade between the Kansas City Royals and the Chicago White Sox is now official.  The Royals trade Mark Teahen and cash considerations to the White Sox for second baseman Chris Getz and third baseman Josh Fields.

Teahen is expected to play third base for the White Sox, moving Gordon Beckham to second base.

• Bob Dutton reports that the Royals sent $1 million to the White Sox in the trade.