From the Royals official website:

The Royals reached agreement Monday morning with right-handed pitcher Zack Greinke on a four-year contract that buys out his first two seasons of free-agent eligibility.

Financial terms were not immediately available.

The deal comes after Greinke, 25, produced a breakout season in 2008 by going 13-10 with a 3.47 ERA in 32 starts. He achieved career highs in numerous categories, including victories, innings and strikeouts.

Greinke had sought $4.4 million through arbitration before agreeing to the multi-year contract. The Royals had offered $3.4 million. He made $1.4 million last season.

Damn... I didn't think Greinke would have it in him to re-up with K.C. 

Traditionally, I applaud athletes who decide to stay with the organization that fathered them along... but for fans of teams not named the Royals, starved for a top-of-the-rotation anchor, this news buh-lows.  Although I'd like to think he's probably a more attractive trade commodity now than yesterday.

You have to tip your cap to Dayton for the signing.  The Royals are essentially all-in for '09, while they allow their plethora of lower level prospects to develop. 

They have the potential to be a pretty scary team by the time 2011 arrives... you know... if Butler and Gordon ever get it.