Future could be now for former Nevada Griffon

Associated Press

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Mark Teahen was supposed to spend spring training learning from the major leaguers. Now, he could be on the fast track to being one on Opening Day.

The Kansas City Royals had hoped to send the promising young third baseman, who has never played an inning in the majors, to Triple-A Omaha to begin the season. But with Chris Truby, the projected starter, sidelined by a chipped bone in his left wrist, Teahen's promotion could come sooner than expected.

And that, Teahen said, has been his goal all along.

"I think anybody who comes into a big league camp is trying to prove they can play at this level," the former Nevada Griffon said after going 1-for-3 with a double and a run scored in Wednesday's 6-3 exhibition victory over the Chicago White Sox.

The Royals aren't quite ready to officially award Teahen the job, though.

"I wouldn't say that it's his to lose," general manager Allard Baird said. "I think that would be going too far. But he is an option for us."

The Royals obtained Teahen from the Oakland organization in June, as part of the three-way deal that sent star outfielder Carlos Beltran to Oakland. When Joe Randa signed a free agent deal with Cincinnati in the offseason, Kansas City brought in Truby, a journeyman minor leaguer, to hold the position until Teahen was ready.

"We're very strategic with the young players we bring into big league camp," Baird said. "They know they don't have a chance to make the club, so they can start to loosen up."

The idea is for players to learn big-league skills and work habits without the pressure of trying to make the Opening Day roster.

"They see a lot. They hear a lot. This keeps closed," Baird said, making a zipping motion across his mouth.

Truby's injury will not require surgery, but it will require that his wrist be immobilized for three weeks before he can start rehabilitation. He will remain in extended spring training rather than break camp with the Royals.

Even before Truby went out, Teahen had plans to compete for the starting job.

"Nothing's changed for me," he said. "I'm still trying to get myself ready to play as quickly as possible. All I can do is keep playing, keep working on things, and hopefully that will be good enough for them to put me in there."

Through Wednesday, Teahen was hitting .375 with four RBIs and playing solid defense.

"He has shown us through spring training that he's close to being ready," manager Tony Pena said.

But with nine strikeouts to only five walks, he needs more patience at the plate to fit into Kansas City's offensive scheme -- and patience has nothing to do with physical skills.

"We've got to see if we're willing to basically hand him the job -- if he's mentally ready to handle it, beyond where he is physically," Baird said.