"Bruce Chen sounded like a friendly older brother, lavishing compliments on his teammates and positing an upbeat narrative for 2012.

Chen returned to Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday to formalize the two-year, $9 million deal he agreed to last week, and he provided a few insights into why a return to Kansas City was so appealing.

Chen, a 34-year-old left-hander, turned down offers from the Twins and Cubs. And at least one team offered more guaranteed money, Chen says. Simple truth, Chen says, is he believes in what the Royals are building."