Royals signs Steve Lerud

It is reported that the Royals signed catcher Steve Lerud to a Minor League contract last week. Lerud has been in the Pirates since being taken in the fourth round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft. In six Minor League seasons, he has a .228 average with 42 home runs and 224 RBIs in 519 games.

Last season with Double-A Altoona, Lerud batted .240 with four homers and 26 RBIs in 95 games. He threw out 37 base-stealers with 15 passed balls and six errors. He is the second catcher from outside the organization signed by the Royals. The Royals also have signed catchers Vance Wilson and Cody Clark to Minor League deals. Hope to see him playing on the field in the royals jersey.