AL Central Nine Biggest Offseason Acquisitions #7 By Dane Moore

7. Scott Podesednik LF- Kansas City Royals

Scott Podsednik signed a one-year, $1.75-million contract for 2010 with an option for 2011 this offseason. The deal includes incentives that can boost the deal to about $2 million this year and $2.3 million on the option. Podsednik will most likely see time throughout the outfield in 2010. All of the Royals outfield options can play numerous positions. Along with Podsednik, players Rick Ankiel, David DeJesus, Josh Fields, Willie Bloomquist and Brian Anderson will all see time at three or more different positions this season.

With the White Sox last season, Podsednik batted over .300 for the first time since 2003. He had suffered from injuries for the five years prior to 2009, but his 30 stolen bases last year is a sign he is returning to the form he showed in the early years of his career. Either way Podsednik is a good deal for a veteran starting outfielder. Signing for half of what Xavier Nady, who only played in nine games in 2009, signed with Chicago Cubs for. And Nearly a fifth of what Mike Cameron’s annual salary will be with the Red Sox in 2010 and 2011 despite the fact Podsednik exceeded Cameron’s batting average by 54 points and stole 23 more bases than Cameron in 2009. Podsednik is not and never will be a power hitter, but he will give Kansas City some security at the top of their lineup in 2010.