Baseball Guru
12-18-2001, 11:52 AM
Royals sign left fielder to one-year deal
By Robert Falkoff
MLB.com
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Royals acquired the leadoff hitter they've been seeking Tuesday by signing free agent Chuck Knoblauch to a one-year contract.
"Acquiring an experienced leadoff hitter was one of our priorities this offseason and we are excited about having Chuck fill that role," Royals General Manager Allard Baird said. "He brings winning experience and a winning attitude, which makes his signing a good fit for our club."
Although Knoblauch's average slumped to .250 last year with the New York Yankees, the Royals believe he will bounce back and serve as a catalyst for a club that has lacked a proven leadoff hitter since Johnny Damon was traded last January. Knoblauch, 33, will be the starting left fielder. He has been a part of three championship clubs in New York and one in Minnesota.
The Chicago Cubs had also publicly expressed interest in Knoblauch, offering him a one-year deal at last week's Winter Meetings.
Robert Falkoff is the site reporter for kcroyals.com.
By Robert Falkoff
MLB.com
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Royals acquired the leadoff hitter they've been seeking Tuesday by signing free agent Chuck Knoblauch to a one-year contract.
"Acquiring an experienced leadoff hitter was one of our priorities this offseason and we are excited about having Chuck fill that role," Royals General Manager Allard Baird said. "He brings winning experience and a winning attitude, which makes his signing a good fit for our club."
Although Knoblauch's average slumped to .250 last year with the New York Yankees, the Royals believe he will bounce back and serve as a catalyst for a club that has lacked a proven leadoff hitter since Johnny Damon was traded last January. Knoblauch, 33, will be the starting left fielder. He has been a part of three championship clubs in New York and one in Minnesota.
The Chicago Cubs had also publicly expressed interest in Knoblauch, offering him a one-year deal at last week's Winter Meetings.
Robert Falkoff is the site reporter for kcroyals.com.