Royals ink pitcher Brad Thompson to minor league deal

The Royals have agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Brad Thompson on a minor league contract for the 2010 season.

The 27-year old Thompson has made 185 appearances (32 starts) for the St. Louis Cardinals over the past five seasons, posting a 21-17 record and a 4.36 ERA.  The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder was 2-6 with a 4.84 ERA in 2009 for the Cardinals in 32 games, including eight starts.  Thompson had spent his entire professional career in the Cardinals organization.  He was a 16th round selection in the 2002 Draft out of Dixie State College.  Thompson debuted in 2005 and was named the Cardinals’ Rookie of the Year after going 4-0 with a 2.95 ERA in 40 relief appearances.

Thompson and his wife, Andrea, currently reside in Las Vegas, Nev.  We welcome Brad to the club!