Chen gets 2yr deal

[love_that_reefer]

Per MLBTR

Piece by piece, the Royals' rotation is taking shape. They have agreed to sign Bruce Chen to a two-year deal worth $9MM. The deal also includes a $1MM roster bonus and up to $1MM in incentives.

Before agreeing to terms with Chen, Royals GM Dayton Moore told Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star that he is looking to add one or two more pitchers to compete with their internal candidates. Left-handers Jonathan Sanchez, Danny Duffy and Chen join right-handers Luke Hochevar, Felipe Paulino in the projected 2012 rotation at this point and relievers Aaron Crow and Everett Teaford could also transition to the rotation. Though Moore has already added two arms this offseason, the Royals lack top-of-the-rotation starters and may continue to pursue trades for available pitching.

Chen posted a 3.77 ERA with 5.6 K/9 and 2.9 BB/9 in 155 innings for the Royals this past season. The Royals offered the 34-year-old Scott Boras client arbitration earlier today, which means they would have obtained a compensatory draft pick had he accepted one of his other offers.

Jon Heyman of SI.com first reported the agreement (Twitter links) after Dutton reported that the sides were nearing a deal.

Crow best get a shot at the rotation! As for Chen, its not a bad deal considering middle relievers are making more than him. Chen has averaged just 148 innings over the past two seasons at a starter so he's not exactly reliable. Royals were probably better off using that money towards someone else.

[realmofotalk]

BaseballAmerica.com: Prospects: All-Time Top 100 Prospects

1999
1. J.D. Drew, of, Cardinals
2. Rick Ankiel, lhp, Cardinals
3. Eric Chavez, 3b, Athletics
4. Bruce Chen, lhp, Braves
5. Brad Penny, rhp, Diamondbacks
6. Michael Barrett, 3b/c, Expos
7. Ryan Anderson, lhp, Mariners
8. Pablo Ozuna, ss, Marlins
9. Ruben Mateo, of, Rangers
10. Matt Clement, rhp, Padres
11. Alex Escobar, of, Mets
12. Roy Halladay, rhp, Blue Jays
13. Lance Berkman, of, Astros
14. Carlos Beltran, of, Royals

[realmofotalk]

So shocking that a starter who threw an 87-90 mph fastball didn't continue to dominate hitters at the major league level as he had in the minor leagues.

[Kingdom]

Bruce Chen has been dealt for great legends such as Andy Ashby, Turk Wendall, and ...Phil Seibel?

April 5, 2002: Traded by the New York Mets with a player to be named later, Luis Figueroa and Dicky Gonzalez to the Montreal Expos for Phil Seibel, Scott Strickland and Matt Watson. The New York Mets sent Saul Rivera (July 16, 2002) to the Montreal Expos to complete the trade.