Royals interested in signing Kuroda

The Kansas City Royals are interested in Japanese pitcher Hiroki Kuroda, who also is being sought by the Seattle Mariners. New Kansas City manager Trey Hillman, who spent five seasons in Japan managing the Nippon Ham Fighters, said he'd like to see Japan's top free agent pitcher in a Royals uniform next season. "He's a great pitcher," Hillman said Tuesday. "He's a real fighter and we think he would fit nicely in our rotation." The Mariners are thought to have the inside track. (link)