The Royals have signed infielder Joe McEwing to a Triple-A contract. McEwing, a lifetime .253 hitter, was released by the Mets last week and cleared waivers. Last season he played in 75 games and hit .254 with a home run and 16 RBI’s.
If he makes the big club, McEwing can provide the Royals with something they need right now—flexibility. He’s a second baseman by trade, but can play all four infield positions. He appeared at seven different positions in 2004. Right now the Royals have injuries to infielder Chris Clapinski (elbow), third baseman Chris Truby (wrist) and second baseman Tony Graffanino (ankle).
McEwing was a fan favorite in St. Louis, playing just one full season—that was 1999. He had perhaps his best season, playing in 152 games and hitting .275 with 44 RBI’s. He also has a relationship with Royals manager Tony Pena, who managed him in the Dominican Winter League in 1998.
Mc Ewing was a fan favorite in St. Louis during the 1999 season…his rookie year and only season as a Cardinal.
