Mike Maroth Returns... to the AL Central

Detroit Tigers fans might get a chance to see Mike Maroth pitch at Comerica Park again this season.  But he'll be wearing the road greys of the Kansas City Royals.  That is, if he makes the team out of Spring Training.  

Maroth signed a minor league deal with the Royals on Friday, and will report to Surprise, AZ as a non-roster invitee.  Royals GM Dayton Moore says Maroth will go to Triple-A Omaha if he doesn't make the big league club.

With the Tigers last season, Maroth went 5-2 with a 4.19 ERA in 78 1/3 innings.  After being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in mid-June, he didn't fare very well, posting an 0-5 record and 10.66 ERA in 38 innings.  (He started seven of 14 games with the Cards.)  For his career, Maroth has a 50-67 record and 5.05 ERA.  

The interesting thing about joining the Royals is that Maroth has more wins against Kansas City than any other team, with 10.    

Here's what the gang at Royals Review thinks of the signing.