A decade later and Bryan Bullington is finally a Royal. The Royals signed the right-hander to a minor league contract with the hope he could help the Kansas City bullpen in 2010.

The Royals drafted Bullington in the 37th round in 1999 out of high school, but he opted to go to Ball State. It turned out to be a good choice, as the Pirates made Bullington the first overall pick in the 2002 draft.

A shoulder injury, which required surgery for a torn right labrum, derailed his career. After going 34-17 with a 3.33 ERA in 69 games in his first three minor league seasons, he sat out the 2006 season because of the injury.

The Indians claimed Bullington off waivers in 2006, while the Blue Jays picked him up off the waiver wire in 2008. In 13 big-league games over four seasons with the Pirates, Indians and Blue Jays, Bullington is 0-5 with a 5.08 ERA.

It is a low-risk move with the potential for high rewards for the Royals if Bullington, 29, would be able to resuscitate his once-promising career.

The Royals believe with his move to the bullpen and being healed from labrum surgery that Bullington's velocity should increase and he could contribute next year.

After four relief appearances last April with Toronto, the Blue Jays sent him to Class AAA Las Vegas, where Bullington was 3-1 with a 3.52 ERA and three saves in 28 games.

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