ROYALS GUARANTEE 2008 OPTION ON GRUDZIELANEK

Announced by Media Relations during Monday night’s game:

The Kansas City Royals and second baseman Mark Grudzielanek have mutually agreed to guarantee the 2008 player option in his contract. Terms were not disclosed.

“The Royals are delighted to be able to reach an agreement on a contract extension with Mark,” Royals Senior Vice President-Baseball Operations and General Manager Dayton Moore said. “He is a very impactful part of our baseball team.”

Grudzielanek, who went 1-for-5 with a double and a run scored Monday night, is hitting .305 with 27 doubles, five home runs and 40 RBI this season, his second in Kansas City. He won his first Rawlings Gold Glove last season, also hitting .297 and leading the club with 85 runs scored**. The 13-year Major League veteran, who turned 37 this June, is a career .289 hitter and is currently just 123 hits from 2,000.

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