The Royals have signed 32-year old righty reliever Roman Colon to a minor league deal. Colon pitched in 27 games in AAA-ball for the Dodgers last year and he was 2-1 with 3 saves, a 4.85 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP. Colon pitched in 48 games (0 starts) in 2009 and 2010 with the Royals and he was 2-3 with a 5.33 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP. He has now pitched in 121 games (8 starts) in his first five years in the majors and he is 8-10 with 1 save, a 5.12 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP. Colon is going to have a hard time trying to earn a job in the bullpen this spring as the Royals are pretty loaded in that area.

The Royals have went out so far this winter and they have made good moves that have strengthened their team. Here is a look at the new guys they have brought in so far for 2012:

In the field: The Royals have signed Yuniesky Betancourt. He will likely bump Chris Getz from the utility infield role he had last season. Adding Betancourt could also light a fire under Alcides Escobar in 2012. The Royals also recently signed 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff to compete with Mike Moustakas for the starting 3B job in 2012 this spring. I really like that move too.

On the mound: The Royals needed help in the starting rotation so they dealt Melky Cabrera to the Giants for lefty starting pitcher Jonathan Sanchez. Sanchez has a huge upside and he will fit in nicely near the top of the Royals’ rotation in 2012. The Royals also added righty Jonathan Broxton and lefty Jose Mijares to an already excellent bullpen.

Overall: I really like the moves that the Royals have been making this winter. I think they are a darkhorse team for 2012 with an eye on the playoffs.

The Royals have signed 30-year old righty swinging 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff to a minor league deal. He will compete with Mike Moustakas for the starting 3B job this spring. If sent to the minors, he can opt out of his contract if he is not in the majors by May 1st. Kouzmanoff played in 73 games for the Rockies + A’s last year and he was 55 of 234 (.235 avg, .656 OPS) with 24 runs scored, 7 homers, 33 RBIs and 2 stolen bases. He has now played in 672 games in his first six years in the majors and he is 633 of 2,478 (.255 avg, .720 OPS) with 265 runs scored, 85 homers, 361 RBIs and 6 stolen bases. This was a good move for the Royals who have an eye on making a run at the playoffs in 2012.

The Royals have signed 27-year old lefty reliever Jose Mijares to a 1-year deal. He pitched in 58 games (0 starts) for the Twins last year and he was 0-2 with a 4.59 ERA and a 1.69 WHIP. Mijares pitched in 186 games (0 starts) in his first four years in the majors and he is 3-6 with a 3.16 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. Mijares will team with Tim Collins in the bullpen in 2012, giving the Royals a nice pairing of power lefty arms.

The Royals have signed 29-year old righty swinging shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt to a 1-year deal. He played in 152 games for the Brewers last year and he was 140 of 556 (.252 avg, .652 OPS) with 51 runs scored, 13 homers, 68 RBIs and 4 stolen bases. Betancourt played for the Royals back in 2009 and 2010 before being dealt along with Zack Greinke in the huge deal with the Brewers last winter. Betancourt has played in 222 games in his career with the Royals so far and he is 203 of 802 (.253 avg, .676 OPS) with 85 runs scored, 20 homers, 105 RBIs and 2 stolen bases. Betancourt will be the Royals’ top utility infielder in 2012 as he will play some at 2B, SS and 3B. It was a good idea to bring Betancourt back for 2012.