Right-handed reliever Yasuhiko Yabuta is about to leave Japan for Kansas City. Whether the move will be permanent or not is still in question. No deal is official, but the Royals are believed to have an agreement pending with Yabuta for a multiyear deal to join the bullpen. Everything hinges on Yabuta passing a physical examination when he comes to the United States, probably in the next several days. Royals' GM Dayton Moore said he could not comment on any pending negotiations. However, he said, "We are working hard to improve our bullpen."