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Sweeney agrees to a minor-league deal with the A’s
By BOB DUTTONThe Kansas City Star
Sweeney’s decision marks the final chapter in his 17-year association with the Royals. He became a free agent after last season, and when the club showed scant interest in a new deal, he began to seek other opportunities.
“I’m going to miss my (old) teammates,” he said, “and it’s going to be strange to come back to Kauffman Stadium and go to the visitors’ clubhouse. I don’t think I’ve ever been over there.
“But it’s time to move on. I have no hard feelings toward (general manager) Dayton Moore or the Royals for not bringing me back for 2008. Dayton was very respectful but explained it just wasn’t a good fit.
“I knew after that door was closed, I had to look for another place to play.”
Oakland officials declined to confirm the signing Sunday night but acknowledged an agreement was close. Sweeney, 34, agreed to the A’s base offer of a minor-league deal, which includes significant performance bonuses, to remain in the American League.
“A couple of National League teams had interest,” he said, “but that mainly would have been as a right-handed bat off the bench. I thought it was best to stay in the American League with the DH.
“I know the pitchers; I know the league, and I know I’ll get a fair opportunity with the A’s.”
Sweeney is joining an Oakland team in transition. The A’s overhauled their roster in the offseason by trading away several veteran players.
The Rangers, Yankees, Twins, Padres and Giants also expressed interest in recent weeks. Sweeney worked out last week for the Padres in San Diego before the club opted to sign free agent Tony Clark.
Injuries limited Sweeney to 74 games last season, and he hasn’t played in more than 126 games since 2001. As usual, though, he’s optimistic as he prepares to arrive Wednesday at the A’s camp in Phoenix.
“I really feel the best I’ve felt in years,” he said, “and I’m just looking to get after it.”
The Royals selected Sweeney in the 10th round of the 1991 draft. He reached the big leagues in 1995, became a five-time All-Star and was designated as the club’s captain before the 2003 season opener.
“In my heart, I know I’ll always be a Royal,” said Sweeney, who is among the club’s top 10 in virtually every major offensive category.
“Kansas City became my second home, but it’s not my team anymore. It belongs to Alex (Gordon) and (Mark) Teahen and (David) DeJesus and Gil (Meche) and all of those other young guys.
“It’s their team now, but nobody will be happier than me if they finish this year with a (World Series) ring.”