According to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports, right-handed pitcher Brian Bannister has signed a one-year deal with the Tokyo Giants.  The deal includes a club option.

Bannister became a free agent in November when he refused an assignment by the Royals to Triple-A Omaha.

In 2010, the 29-year-old was 7-12 with a 6.34 ERA in 24 appearances (23 starts).  He signed a one-year contract for $2.3 million in December 2009.