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To quote Princess Bride, I dont think that word means what you think it means.

On Thursday, the Royals let it be known the team would have a major announcement later in the afternoon.

OK, for about the last 20 years, a major announcement by the Royals meant somebody was getting fired. But these are the new and improved 86-76 Royals, major means something good. Let our imaginations run wild in the brave new world of Royal fandom.

Pitching ace James Shields was signing a contract extension. Yes. Wil Myers may have won the Rookie of the Year, but the Royals got a No. 1 starter locked up for a lot of years in the trade with the Rays.

Carlos Beltran was returning to where he started to patrol the outfield again. All right, a proven big-league bat to help a lineup that needs one.

A trade? Billy Butler has been mentioned in off-season rumors. Theyd better be getting something very good in return.

Press conference time rolled around and

Jason Vargas, a free-agent left-handed starter, signed for four years in the $32-million range. Hmmm.

Yeah, I know hes never heard of me either. But major?

OK, the positives. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2010, Vargas has posted a 42-44 record with a 3.97 ERA and didnt pitch 190 or more innings in one of those seasons.

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Press Box: What's in a word?