Update 06:25am PST: Jerry Crasnick Tweets:  Scott Podsednik has reached preliminary agreement with Royals pending a physical Friday, a source says

According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, the Kansas City Royals are close to signing a “speedy” outfielder with free agent Scott Podsednik the likely player.  Other candidates include Rick Ankiel and Randy Winn.

The San Diego Padres were also shopping for outfield help and they have been associated with all three players.

The Royals also signed 19-year-old left handed pitcher Noel Arguelies from Cuba.