In a time when sports stars have a “me first” mindset and care more about signing bonuses and statistics than the team, a local professional player once again is learning a new position to aid his team’s cause.

Veteran Kansas City Royal Mark Teahen made his way to Kansas City from the minor leagues in 2005 and hit only .246.

He responded in 2006 by hitting an above-average .290 and played solidly at third base. The team then brought up top prospect Alex Gordon to play third base, and Teahen learned he would have to shift positions in order to stick around.

He gave outfield a shot and by the time spring training was over and the 2007 season was beginning, he looked comfortable in right field.

Though Teahen’s home run total shrank to seven that year, his average was once again decent at .285.

In the next offseason the Royals acquired top-notch hitter Jose Guillen.

Teahen once again was thrown a changeup, but his learning curve was somewhat lessened this time as he would make his way to left field for the 2008 season.

While his average dipped to .255, his home run numbers again hit double digits with 15.

Teahen has also proven he can play first base, lining up 23 times in the last two years.

So now jump ahead to this last offseason. The Royals had a chance to acquire speedy veteran outfielder Coco Crisp and pounced.

Thus the Royals moved their current centerfielder David DeJesus to left field to make room for Crisp.<br/>Teahen found himself without a position. Again.Teahen found himself without a position. Again.
Teahen found himself without a position. Again.

Trade rumors swirled that the ultra-versatile Teahen could fill a larger role in the field for other Major League teams while adding a decent bat.

However, the Royals apparently valued his flexibility enough to keep him around and even give him a shot at second base.

He was considered a long shot and many people even laughed when hearing the news, but Teahen simply went back to work.

He has proven to be talented enough to play another position, not to mention growing as a hitter by hitting around .500 in spring training.

Teahen’s positive clubhouse presence and team-first attitude have made him a fan favorite in Kansas City, and it helps that he when he runs from the dugout to take the field, no one knows just what position he will end up at.