by Andrew Scott
Spring training has come and Mark Grudzielanek is still looking for a contract. The same Mark Grudzielanek that drove in 88 doubles and 127 runs over the past 3 seasons while batting .300. Despite being hampered by an unfortunate injury in '08, Grudzielanek has averaged over 100 games per season for the Royals while wearing the blue. His veteran bat and presence in the clubhouse were always highly regared by the staff and media.
This season, the Royals have realistic expectations of relevence in the pennant race. Previous seasons indicate that they Royals are building their team around pitching and defence. Mark Grudzielanek is a gold glove second baseman, and has been the most reliable defender when on the diamond for the Royals. Despite this, the Royals are moving forward without Grudzie. Instead, they are tossing internal journeyman Mark Teahen and a vet from Seattle who in 76 games last season managed just one extra base hit. A double. In his first two innings at first during spring ball, Teahen committed two errors. About the amount Grudzie committed in 30 games.
The Royals rise to the position they are in now is because of their pitching and defense. They scored less runs in '08 than in '09 but still managed to win nearly 20 more games. It makes no sence to try an fit Teahen someplace he doesn't belong and have a contigency plan of a guy that can't hit the gaps. Unless the Royals can sign a legit short stop, moving Aviles to second, the addition of Grudzielanek is a must for Dayton Moore and his staff. This can give Teahen time to play a utility role or refine his craft in the infield at triple-A Omaha.
Without Grudzielanek, the Royals project to have a histocially bad season at the middle infield positions, possibly with the enitre infield overall. At the plate, they Royals are not gaining much with a streaky Teahen who, despite three good months a few seasons ago, has not lived up to expectations.
The Royals front office has the money to pay Grudzie for the '09 season because they just offered Orlando Hudson in the ballpark of $4 million. Hudson decided to sign with Los Angeles (N). Grudzielanek has familarity with the organiztion and has got to like what the Royals have built the past 3 years and added in this the off season. So please, Mr. Moore, pick up the phone. Give our good buddy Grudzie a call.
Spring training has come and Mark Grudzielanek is still looking for a contract. The same Mark Grudzielanek that drove in 88 doubles and 127 runs over the past 3 seasons while batting .300. Despite being hampered by an unfortunate injury in '08, Grudzielanek has averaged over 100 games per season for the Royals while wearing the blue. His veteran bat and presence in the clubhouse were always highly regared by the staff and media.
This season, the Royals have realistic expectations of relevence in the pennant race. Previous seasons indicate that they Royals are building their team around pitching and defence. Mark Grudzielanek is a gold glove second baseman, and has been the most reliable defender when on the diamond for the Royals. Despite this, the Royals are moving forward without Grudzie. Instead, they are tossing internal journeyman Mark Teahen and a vet from Seattle who in 76 games last season managed just one extra base hit. A double. In his first two innings at first during spring ball, Teahen committed two errors. About the amount Grudzie committed in 30 games.
The Royals rise to the position they are in now is because of their pitching and defense. They scored less runs in '08 than in '09 but still managed to win nearly 20 more games. It makes no sence to try an fit Teahen someplace he doesn't belong and have a contigency plan of a guy that can't hit the gaps. Unless the Royals can sign a legit short stop, moving Aviles to second, the addition of Grudzielanek is a must for Dayton Moore and his staff. This can give Teahen time to play a utility role or refine his craft in the infield at triple-A Omaha.
Without Grudzielanek, the Royals project to have a histocially bad season at the middle infield positions, possibly with the enitre infield overall. At the plate, they Royals are not gaining much with a streaky Teahen who, despite three good months a few seasons ago, has not lived up to expectations.
The Royals front office has the money to pay Grudzie for the '09 season because they just offered Orlando Hudson in the ballpark of $4 million. Hudson decided to sign with Los Angeles (N). Grudzielanek has familarity with the organiztion and has got to like what the Royals have built the past 3 years and added in this the off season. So please, Mr. Moore, pick up the phone. Give our good buddy Grudzie a call.
