KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Outfielder Scott Podsednik and the Kansas City Royals agreed Friday to a $1.75 million, one-year contract that includes a club option for 2011.

Podsednik, who passed a physical on Friday, will likely play center and gives the Royals some speed at the top of the lineup with left fielder David DeJesus. Kansas City started Coco Crisp in center last season but he injured a shoulder injury after 49 games. The Royals declined his 2010 option, and he left to sign with Oakland.
Podsednik had one of his best seasons with the Chicago White Sox last year, hitting .304 with 48 RBIs, 75 runs and 30 steals. He has a .277 career average with 249 RBIs and 266 stolen bases in nine major league seasons.
He gets a $1.65 million salary this year and can earn about $250,000 in performance bonuses. Kansas City has a $2 million option with a $100,000 buyout for 2011, when he could earn an additional $300,000 in performance bonuses, However, Podesnik could void the option if he has 525 plate appearances this year.
By joining the Royals, he won’t get to hit against AL Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke. Podsednik is 17 for 34 against him.