Podsednik agreed to a $1.75 million, one-year contract with Kansas City on Friday, giving the Royals speed at the top of the order and versatility in the outfield. The deal includes a club option for 2011.
"It was very humbling. It hit home," Podsednik said. "I did have thoughts that creeped in as to if I'd play again. Luckily, I got the opportunity with Chicago. They gave me the opportunity to play and fortunately I was able to help the club out and kind of create another opportunity for me this year."
The 33-year-old will get a $1.65 million salary this year and can earn about $250,000 in performance bonuses. Kansas City has a $2 million option with a $100,000 buyout for 2011, when he could earn an additional $300,000 in performance bonuses. Podesnik can void the option if he has 525 plate appearances this year.
He should help the Royals fill one of their biggest holes heading into this season: center field.
Kansas City thought it had solved the center field problems by acquiring Coco Crisp in a trade with Boston last offseason. Instead, he went out with a season-ending shoulder injury after 49 games and the team didn't exercise his option for 2010. Crisp later signed with Oakland.
Mitch Maier did a respectable job in center after Crisp went out, but hit just .243 and at times seemed overmatched by big-league pitching. Willie Bloomquist also played some in center, but the Royals like him in a utility role rather than locked into one position.
Kansas City also added outfield help in the offseason, getting Josh Fields from the White Sox
- along with second baseman Chris Getz - in a trade for Mark Teahen and signing Brian Anderson to a one-year deal.
Podsednik, a former All-Star, should fit the bill a little better.
A third-round draft pick by Texas in 1994, he came up through the minors as a center fielder and has played 361 games there during his nine big-league seasons.
Thing is, he's a pretty good left fielder, too, which should give the Royals some options.
DeJesus proved to be a superb defensive left fielder after moving from center to accommodate Crisp, but may be able to move back with Podsednik's signing. Of course, he could just stay there and Podsednik could play center.
"He's going to get an opportunity to play center and left field," Royals general manager Dayton Moore said. "We just liked the speed that he brings to the outfield, especially here at Kauffman Stadium."
Podsednik also should give the Royals the speed on the bases they lost when Crisp got hurt last season.
