Royals agree to terms with Billy Butler and Alberto Callaspo

The Royals announced today that the club has agreed to terms on 2010 Major League contracts with first baseman Billy Butler and infielder Alberto Callaspo.  Consistent with club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.  All players are now signed for the 2010 season.

The 23-year old Butler, the 2009 Les Milgram Player of the Year, led the club with a .301 average, 93 RBI and 51 doubles last season.  He also belted 21 home runs in tying for sixth in the league with 73 extra-base hits.  The first baseman’s 51 doubles were second in the Majors and the second-most all time in Royals history behind Hal McRae’s 54 in 1977.  The 2009 A.L. Player of the Month for September was selected by the Royals in the first round (14th overall) in 2004.

Callaspo, 26, was named the 2009 Joe Burke Special Achievement Award winner after batting .300 with 41 doubles, eight triples, 11 home runs and 73 RBI.  Entering his third season with the Royals after being acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks for pitcher Billy Buckner on December 14, 2007, the Venezuelan has hit .302 in 229 games for Kansas City.