The Minnesota Twins have agreed to a minor league contract with Mark Grudzielanek, this according to Joel Christensen of the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Grudzielanek, 39, will report to the Twins Gulf Coast League. The 14-year veteran is expected to give the Twins additional help at second base. He batted 299 with three home runs and 24 RBI in 86 games for the Royals last season.
The Twins have gotten awful production from their second baseman this year. Collectively Alexi Casilla, Nick Punto and Matt Tolbert - have combined to bat .190 with a .270 on-base percentage and a .242 slugging percentage. That is good for dead last among all 30 major league teams.
Twins GM Bill Smith still hopes Alexi Casilla is the future at second base, but he believes Grudzielank gives them another option.
"We are still hoping Alexi Casilla is going to take the second base job and run with it. That's our first choice, that he can bring energy and spark our lineup. This gives us another option."
The Twins are currently 47-44, which puts them two games behind the first place Tigers. Look for the Twins to continue to find creative ways to upgrade their roster. With a new stadium coming next year they'd love to maximize the value of this season, but given payroll constraints they won't be able to add high priced free agents.