http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...s/13386110.htm

KC closing in on Bako deal

Free-agent catcher would back up John Buck

By BOB DUTTON

The Kansas City Star


The Royals could announce the signing of free-agent catcher Paul Bako as soon as today if a recent medical examination comes back clean.

Bako, 33, played just 13 games last season for the Los Angeles Dodgers because of an injured left knee that required surgery June 24 to repair his anterior cruciate ligament.

The Royals began targeting Bako as a veteran backup for John Buck after Todd Pratt reneged last week on a handshake agreement to sign with the Atlanta Braves.

Bako reached the majors in 1998 with the Detroit Tigers but spent the last seven years with six different National League teams. He has a .239 average with 14 homers and 133 RBIs in 530 career games.

The Royals, if they sign Bako, must first clear space on their 40-man roster. The likeliest candidate to go is reliever Chris Demaria, although last week’s signing of middle reliever Elmer Dessens places Shawn Camp’s role in jeopardy.