http://www.kansascity.com/sports/roy...ry/203999.html
“We’re ready to go with Gotay and Anderson Hernandez,” Minaya told the New York Post. “Or (Damion) Easley.”
Even so, Grudzielanek would appear to represent an upgrade. He is the American League’s reigning Gold Glove winner for defensive excellence at second base and is batting .302 after going two for four in Tuesday’s 9-4 loss to the Yankees.
The Royals are willing to trade Grudzielanek, 37, because they view utilityman Esteban German as a serviceable replacement. But the club wants to fill a need in doing so.
“Mark Grudzielanek is an important part of our team,” general manager Dayton Moore said, “and he’s a guy who we like an awful lot.”
Grudzielanek has approximately $1.5 million remaining this season on his $4 million salary, but his contract also contains a vesting clause that triggers a $4 million players’ option for next season if he gets 500 plate appearances.
The option increases to $4.5 million if he gets 550 plate appearances.
It appeared unlikely Grudzielanek would reach the threshold when he underwent surgery last month to repair torn cartilage in his left knee. But a quick recovery has him back within range.