From the diaries... -RR

Another warm body is coming to camp: Mike Maroth.
It's amazing how many guys Moore is collecting and inviting to camp...but it makes sense.

I kind of like this move...obviously he was awful last year, but if healthy, the guy has had a little success in the A.L. in the past and, what the heck, he is a lefty. If he can't make the rotation (which I'd have to think he has an outside chance of doing, at least), maybe he could be a decent relief option, or at least insurance. If he pitched well it could free up someone (Gobble, etc.) to potentially be put in a deal. All in all, since this is a minor-league deal, it's a no-brainer signing.

Full story (excerpted below) at KC Star:

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/481989.html

Royals sign Maroth to minor-league deal
By BOB DUTTON
The Kansas City Star

The quest to find a left-handed starting pitcher prompted the Royals to sign veteran Mike Maroth to a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to big-league camp.

Maroth, 30, was a combined 5-7 with a 6.89 ERA last season while splitting time with Detroit and St. Louis. He pitched just 13 games for the Tigers in 2006 before suffering season-ending elbow surgery to remove bone chips.