November 6, 2009

Trimming salary in a 2-for-1 deal, the Kansas City Royals sent infielder/outfielder Mark Teahen to Chicago for two players Friday and declined options on three others.

Teahen, who had played two infield and two outfield positions at
various times, was traded for infielders Chris Getz and Josh
Fields.

The deal included an undisclosed amount of cash the Royals sent
to the White Sox. Teahen, who made about $3.75 million last year,
expected to get about $5 million next year in arbitration.

Royals general manager Dayton Moore said Fields, who hit 23 home
runs and had 67 RBIs as a rookie in 2007, may challenge Alex Gordon
at third base.

Getz was Chicago's second baseman for much of last year and hit
.261 with two home runs, 19 doubles and 31 RBIs.

The Royals also announced they had declined 2010 options for
outfielder Coco Crisp, catcher Miguel Olivo and right-hander
Yasuhiko Yabuta. Crisp and Olivo are eligible for free agency.