Mark Teahen’s defensive versatility is certainly valuable, but his bat is what must win him a spot with the Diamondbacks next Spring after signing a minor league deal with the team today. (Image Credit: Brad Barr-US PRESSWIRE)
Determined to add some infield depth this winter, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic is reporting that the Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to a minor league deal with Mark Teahen. A veteran with experience at both corner infield positions and even the outfield, Teahen will also receive an invitation to Spring Training.
Teahen was taken in the 1st Round of the 2002 Draft by the Oakland Athletics before being included in a big trade two seasons later (a three team deal that landed Carlos Beltran in Houston), bringing him to the Kansas City Royals. With the Royals Teahen’s career got off to a nice start once he made his debut during the 2005 season and he looked as though he’d be a mainstay in the middle of the Kansas City lineup for years to come. He’d bat .269/.331/.419 in 2,732 plate appearances over the next five seasons, adding 59 HR and 293 RBI. Teahen would be traded two more times in his career (after the 2009 season to the Chicago White Sox, then again during the 2011 season to the Toronto Blue Jays). He’s a career .264/.327/.409 hitter over 3,171 plate appearances.
The 31 year old spent the 2012 season with Washington’s Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse, batting .260/.328/.360 with 3 HR and 63 RBI over 500 plate appearances.