Originally published Friday, January 9, 2009 at 12:00 AM

Willie Bloomquist signs with Royals

Former Mariners utility man will get a chance to be an everyday player in Kansas City.

Seattle Times staff reporter

Former Mariners utility man Willie Bloomquist has long sought a chance to be an everyday player, and he will get it in 2009 with the Kansas City Royals.

Bloomquist, a free agent, has reached agreement on a two-year, $3.1 million contract with the Royals.

Bloomquist, 31, played seven seasons with the Mariners, who drafted him in the third round out of Arizona State in 1999. He is a graduate of South Kitsap High School in Port Orchard.

According to MLB.com, Bloomquist is expected to compete for the Royals' second base job with Alberto Callaspo.

Bloomquist earned $950,000 last year in the final season of a two-year, $1.825 million contract with the Mariners.

Bloomquist, who played every position in the infield and outfield, had a .263 average in 540 games for the Mariners. This past season, he hit .279 in 71 games but had just one extra-base hit in 165 at-bats.

"He's an on-base guy, a speed-type player and a hustler," Royals general manager Dayton Moore told MLB.com. "He's a Craig Counsell-type player who really plays hard, hustles, and knows how to play."

Bloomquist tended to polarize Mariners fans, a portion of whom lauded his "grit" and believed he deserved more playing time, and a portion of whom mocked what they believed to be a level of adulation disproportionate to his skill level.

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