The Royals, in what clearly is a move to end their early season winning ways, have purchased the contract of Hideo Nomo. Nomo last played in the majors in 2005 for a team once known as the Devil Rays.

Nomo made 17 appearances as a Met in 1998, posting a 4.82 ERA. He walked 58, gave up 11 homeruns, and as a fun fact: all but one of his mets runs were earned.

I see what the Royals are doing here…wait, no. I got nothing. Someone got drunk, called their AAA team and just yelled out a name.  I think thats how we’ve gotten some of our fifth starters the last few years as well. Yes you Jose Lima.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com is reporting that the Kansas City Royals and OF Jose Guillen are close to a three-year deal worth between $11 million and $12 million per year. Guillen batted .290 for the Mariners last season with 23 homers and 99 RBIs.

Last year, the team made a splash by going out and signing SP Gil Meche to a five-year, $55 million contract. The Royals reportedly have $25 million to spend this offseason, making this deal possibly just one of a couple of big signings for that team.

Dick Kaegel at MLB.com reports the Royals have finalized their two year deal with Japanese reliever Yasuhiko Yabuta. Yabuta pitched for 12 years in Japan with the Chiba Marines, aka Bobby V’s team. He has a career 4.03 ERA but a 2.80 in relief over the last few seasons.

When the Royals start making big moves, you know its going to be a tough off season. Though he was a Yankee killer, so lets see if he still has that power now that he’ll be seeing them a little more often.

Ken Rosenthal on Fox Sports reports that the Royals are close to signing Japanese pitcher Yasuhiko Yabuta.

The deal is a two-year contract with a player option for a third season, according to major-league source
Yabuta was 4-6 last season with a 2.73 ERA and four saves in 58 games.

Yabuta struck out Alex Rodriguez, Johnny Damon and Derrek Lee in a second-round game against Team USA in the 2006 World Baseball Classic.