"The Royals announced the signing of seven players to minor-league contracts on Thursday.

Among the notable moves: The club re-signed right-handed pitcher Zach Miner and infielder Jamie Romak, who played in the organization in 2011. The Royals also acquired utility infielder Tony Abreu, who spent time with the Dodgers and Diamondbacks during 2007-10.

The other additions: Left-handed pitchers Marlon Arias and Tommy Hottovy, a Kansas City native, and infielders Eric Duncan and Sharlon Schoop.

Miner, 29, showed some promise in the bullpen late last season after returning from Tommy John surgery in May 2010. He was 1-6 with a 7.16 ERA in 11 starts for Class AA Northwest Arkansas before transitioning to a relief role at Class AAA Omaha and finishing with 1.59 ERA in 12 appearances. Miner posted a 4.24 ERA in 157 games (35 starts) for Detroit during 2006-09.

Abreu, 27, batted .251 in 146 games while spending parts of three seasons with the Dodgers and Diamondbacks from 2007 to 2010. The Royals are still seeking a true utility guy for 2012, and Abreu has played second, short and third base in the big leagues. He spent 2011 at Class AAA Reno (Arizona).

Romak, 26, batted .251 with 23 homers in 123 games in 2011 while serving as a first baseman and designated hitter for Northwest Arkansas. Arias, 27, hasn't pitched professionally since 2009, when he reached Class AAA in the Dodgers' system. He is currently pitching for Estrellas de Oriente in the Dominican Winter League.

Hottovy, a graduate of Park Hill South, made his major-league debut for Boston in 2011 after eight seasons in the minors. He allowed three earned runs in four innings over eight appearances and is currently pitching for Aguilas in the Dominican Winter League."