Yankees Interested in Mark Teahen

Now that the Yankees know they're going to be without Alex Rodriguez for at least six weeks thanks to hip surgery, they can focus on finding somebody to replace him at third base. Unfortunately for the Bombers, replacing somebody like A-Rod is a lot easier said than done, but there are some decent options out there.

One of those options is Kansas City Royals third baseman/left fielder/first baseman/second baseman(?) Mark Teahen. The problem for the Yankees, though, is that while their desire for Teahen has increased, the Royals aren't exactly looking to move him.

Royals officials, for now, are brushing off the speculation, and general manager Dayton Moore has long maintained that Teahen is more valuable now to the club than in previous years because of his versatility.

"What I'm hoping," one Royals official said, "is they sign (second baseman Mark) Grudzielanek. That way, we get a (compensatory) draft pick."

A compensatory draft pick would be nice, that's for sure, but with the Yankees bent over a barrel right now, I think the Royals could get more than that in a trade for Teahen. I understand the Royals' desire to keep Teahen in Kansas City, because he can play just about anywhere, but I think they'd be better off moving him.

The truth is that while Teahen gives Trey Hillman options, the Royals generally already have other options wherever Teahen plays. At first base the Royals already have Mike Jacobs, Billy Butler, and Ross Gload. Meanwhile, Gload can also play the corner outfield spots if the team needs him to.

What the Royals really need is a second baseman, so maybe they should be the ones thinking about signing Grudzielanek.