Royals second baseman Mark Grudzielanek was almost traded. Rumors were flying before Wednesday's game against the White Sox that a trade to the Detroit Tigers was imminent, sending the steady veteran off to shore up the Tigers' infield after their loss of Placido Palanco to the DL.
Instead, the Royals announced that Grudzielanek had signed a contract extension to stay with the Royals in 2007 with a mutual option for 2008. The signing allows the Royals to retain the reliable defense and consistent offense that Grudzielanek has provided. Grudz has just 3 errors this season, and is batting .292 with 5 homeruns and 39 RBI. The signing also ends speculation that minor leaguer Jeff Keppinger would be the second baseman in 2007. Instead, Royals GM Dayton Moore is either buying more time for Keppinger to develop, or buying more time to find his second baseman of the future.
In Wednesday's 10-4 rout of the White Sox, Grudzielanek almost hit for the cycle. He was only short a double, and had a three run homer along with a triple and single.
Grudz says he looks forward to playing with the Royals and believes good things are on the horizon. He said that he likes the direction of the club since Dayton Moore took over as GM in June.
I believe Royals fans agree.
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1 comment:
This site truly is a labor of love for you. Keep it up, and by the way, I doubt they make it to 100!
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