According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, the Royals have signed Brett Tomko to a one-year, $3MM deal. He can earn another $1.5MM in incentives. Tomko seems likely to get an initial shot at starting. The odds are stacked against 30 league average starts, but Tomko is regarded as one of those enigma guys who has decent stuff. So he has slightly more upside than some of the other free agent starters.
It could make sense to look at Tomko for the closer job and switch Joakim Soria to the rotation. Tomko’s flexibility might come in handy. Fun subplot: Tomko will see a whole lot of A.J. Pierzynski now, his former Giant teammate who he called a "cancer" several years ago. As far as I can tell Tomko has never pitched to him.
Crasnick names the Athletics, Astros, Rockies, Nationals, and Reds as other interested parties in Tomko. As an MLBTR commenter mentioned, the Royals are probably out of the hunt for Bartolo Colon now. The Reds are probably done after the Affeldt signing. But the Astros and Nats might still be looking for a starter.
