Xavier Nady provides Royals with 'veteran presence and insurance'

The Kansas City Royals added some depth as they signed outfielder Xavier Nady to a minor league contract on Friday. Nady can also play first base, so that gives the Royals some extra options in their lineup.

Royals assistant general manager J.J. Picollo feels that Nady will add a veteran presence to the 2013 team:

"It gives us depth going into Spring Training if we have any type of injuries or need," said Picollo. "He's a guy that in the past has swung the bat well, but he's fallen on some hard times with some injuries or whatnot, but we thought it was an interesting guy to bring in and add a veteran presence and insurance."

Nady has been a journeyman for his 11-year major league career, he has been on eight teams, and he has a .270 career batting average. Last season, he split time between the Washington Nationals and San Francisco Giants, but 2012 was hardly a good year for Nady. He hit below the Mendoza line, with a .184 average in 59 games.

The Royals outfield is already set with their 40-man roster with Alex Gordon in left, Lorenzo Cain in center and Jeff Francoeur in right. The two current backups are Jarrod Dyson and David Lough, so if Nady is going to make the Major League club he will have to outplay a few players to earn a spot on the opening day roster.