The Kansas City Royals have already worked the big names on the free agent and trade market.  Now they are looking at some of the less desirable names - the types of names that would be relevant seven or eight years ago.  Names like Miguel Tejada and Endy Chavez.

According to Pete Grathoff of the Kansas City Star, the Royals have signed Tejada and Chavez to minor league deals.  Chavez's contract is far less surprising than Tejada's.  Tejada did not play in the Majors last season at all, and Chavez only played 64 games for the Orioles.  Both players are expected to provide depth to the organization, but neither is guaranteed to break camp with the Major League club.


Chavez hit .203/.236/.278 with the Orioles last season.  He suffered an oblique injury in May and was placed on the disabled list.  He was far from productive during his stint with Baltimore.

Tejada played in the Orioles minor league system last season.  He appeared in 36 games for Norfolk and hit .259/.325/.296.  Tejada is 38 years old and a return to productive infielder in the Majors is unlikely.  He has seen his share of injuries throughout his 15-year Major League career, so Tejada is not exactly a sure bet to play many games even if he does make the Royals' roster.

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