KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Royals signed veteran right-hander Brad Penny to a minor league contract and an invitation to spring training. Penny hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2012. He started for the Tigers during the 2011 season, going 11-11 with a 5.30 ERA. Penny will be competing for a spot in the back of the Royals’ starting rotation.
He was drafted by the Marlins in 1996 and played in Miami for five seasons. He won two games for the Marlins during the 2003 World Series. Altogether he has pitched for six teams in 13 years.
The Royals also signed pitcher Guillermo Mota to a minor league contract. The 40-year-old Mota last pitched in the majors in 2012 with the Giants. He is a right-handed reliever.
Royals pitchers and catchers report to Surprise, Ariz. on February 14th.
CHIEFS’ DORSEY NFL EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
Kansas City Chiefs General Manager John Dorsey was selected as the NFL Executive of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America. Hired by Clark Hunt in the 2013 off-season, Dorsey worked with head coach Andy Reid and lifted the franchise from a 2-14 disaster on and off the field in 2012 to an 11-5 record and a playoff appearance in 2013.
Among his best moves were the free agent signings of QB Alex Smith, OL Geoff Schwartz, TE Anthony Fasano and WR Donnie Avery. He picked OL Eric Fisher with the first overall selection in the 2013 NFL Draft. He also hired key personnel in the front office. But the biggest key to the Chiefs turn-around was Dorsey’s relationship with Reid.
“When as the general manager, you have a relationship with a head coach and have the same philosophical beliefs,” Dorsey said. “We’re willing to put our egos aside, roll up our sleeves and go to work.”
