Brett Tomko agreed Monday to a $3 million, one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals, promising he’s worked out the problems that led to failure with the Dodgers last year. A right-hander who turns 35 during the first week of the 2008 season, Tomko will compete for a spot in the rotation but is also a candidate for bullpen duty for a club seeking to climb out of the AL Central basement.
Tomko’s contact calls for an additional $1.5 million in performance bonuses.
In his worst stretch since breaking into the majors with Cincinnati in 1997, Tomko was 2-11 with a 5.80 ERA last year for Los Angels. After being designated for assignment, he signed with San Diego and was 2-1 with a 4.61 ERA as the Padres competed for a playoff berth. Changes he made in style and delivery at the urging of the Dodgers led to his problems.
Tomko is 93-92 with a 4.62 ERA for six major league teams in 11 seasons and is among just three pitchers since 2005 with 115 appearances and 60 starts. Miguel Batista and Brett Myers are the others.
Tags: brett tomko