Former Florida Marlins backstop Miguel Olivo wasn’t unemployed for long after being non-tendered a contract from the fish. Olivo signed a one year deal with the Kansas City Royals today, including an option for 2009. The starting catcher for the Royals last season was 27 year old John Buck, who hit .222 with 18 home runs and 48 RBI’s. Olivo was only slightly better, hitting .237 with 16 home runs with 60 RBI’s. Each catcher has good power considering their position, and is solid defensively.

“Miguel is a talented catcher with a power bat and a very strong throwing arm,” Royals general manager Dayton Moore said. “With him and John Buck, they form one of the most powerful catching duos in baseball.”

A platoon of John Buck and Miguel Olivo would certainly be above average-that is if each player is in the organization by the time opening day rolls around. This move could also send John Buck to another organization, if the Royals’ intention is to give Olivo the 2008 everyday job. The Royals may not need Buck for 2008…with such talent as Justin Huber, Matt Tupman and Adam Donachie already in the organization. Only time will tell if the Royals will use both Buck and Olivo in 2008.

Also in baseball news today was Darin Erstad, who signed a one year deal with the Houston Astros. the 33 year old Erstad hit .248 with 4 home runs and 32 RBI’s in 2007 with the Chicago White Sox. The trading of outfielder Luke Scott to the San Diego Padres opened up a slot for Darin.

“He’ll be a left-handed bat off the bench,” general manager Ed Wade said. “He has a lot of versatility. He’s a great makeup guy. He’s the prototypical professional player—he brings a lot to the table and we’re glad to have him.”