Scott Podsednik signs one-year deal with Royals
Posted on January 8, 2010
Scott Podsednik #22 of the Chicago White Sox slides safely into third base with a triple against the Oakland Athletics during the 1929-themed turn back the clock game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 16, 2009 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)
One of my all-time favorite ballplayers to photograph in the last decade has landed a job for the 2010 season with the Kansas City Royals. Outfielder Scott Podsednik agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.75 million to wear the blue and white and play his 2010 home games in Kauffman Stadium. 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 266 stolen bases in nine major league seasons.
Scott Podsednik of the Chicago White Sox celebrates with teammates after hitting the game winning home run off of Brad Lidge of the Houston Astros after Game Two of the Major League Baseball World Series against the Chicago White Sox Houston Astros at U.S. Cellular Field on October 23, 2005 in Chicago, Illinois. The White Sox defeated the Astros 7-6. (Photo by Brad Mangin/MLB Photos)
Podsednik instantly became one of my favorite guys to shoot when he hit his walk-off homer to beat the Astros in Game 2 of the 2005 World Series in Chicago (see above). When his teammates lifted him in the air at home plate in the cold rain at U.S. Cellular Field I knew I had my one real nice picture of the Series. Since the Sox went on to sweep the Astros this picture became my story-telling image for the Series. Podsednik is not known for hitting homers, as his game is centered around his speed on the bases and scoring runs. After this moment I paid closer attention to Podsednik and followed his career closely.
Scott Podsednik of the Chicago White Sox chases a fly ball in left field during a spring training game against the Oakland Athletics at Phoenix Municipal Stadium in Phoenix, AZ on March 12, 2005. (Photo by Brad Mangin)
I remember when Podsednik had his first big season with the Brewers in 2003 and then stole 70 bases in 2004. This guy would look great in Giants orange and black I always thought. I will look forward to photographing Scotty Pods in action this coming March as a member of the Royals when I go to shoot spring training games at the beautiful Surprise Stadium in Arizona.
Scott Podsednik of the Colorado Rockies makes a diving catch in right field during a spring training game against the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Arizona on March 15, 2008. (Photo by Brad Mangin)
I am pissed the Giants missed out on a chance to get Podsednik for 2010. I know he does not have a big bat, but I think he can still play. Podsednik will be good for the Royals. I hope he still has some big moments left in his career.
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