http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2269678 The Kansas City Royals actually outbid teams to sign Reggie Sanders, the outfielder told The Kansas City Star. Sanders He told the paper Thursday that he had agreed to a two-year contract worth about $10 million, that could be signed Friday pending results of a physical. "The Royals stepped up to the plate and did what they had to do," Sanders said. "Other teams were close. But the Royals went a little further." The 38-year-old Sanders could provide much-needed offense to go along with what appears to be an improved Kansas City defense. He hit .271 with 21 home runs and 54 RBI in 295 at-bats last season for St. Louis, missing nearly two months after breaking his right leg in an outfield collision with Jim Edmonds. Sanders had 10 RBI in the Cardinals' three-game sweep of San Diego in the first round of the playoffs, hitting a grand slam and driving in six runs in the opener. "They had a game plan," Sanders told the Star. "Kansas City wined and dined me at the beginning. We sat down for a good three hours talking about where they're going and what they're trying to do. I needed to be the last piece of the puzzle. If I sign early, I'm left out to dry, no matter how much money I'm making. Now I see they got [Mark Grudzielanek], they got all these guys." Kansas City lacked production from its corner outfielders last season, when the Royals finished a major league-worst 56-106. "I think he would be a pretty good addition to our club," Royals GM Allard Baird said Thursday. "But until everything is set, I just don't want to speculate." Sanders broke in with Cincinnati in 1991 and since 1998 has played for Cincinnati, San Diego, Atlanta, Arizona, San Francisco, Pittsburgh and the Cardinals. A career .267 hitter with 292 home runs and 923 RBI, he is projected as a right fielder by the Royals. It has already been a busy offseason for Baird, who has signed free agent infielders Grudzielanek and Doug Mientkiewicz, pitcher Scott Elarton and backup catcher Paul Bako. ---------------------- I hate he isn't an Astro but I'm glad he's out of the National League now...what an Astro's killer.
