Matt’s top ten recommended third baseman to replace A-Rod:
Mark Teahen- Young, can pick it at third, excellent base-runner, showed signs of being a fantastic player second half of ’06… line drive inclined left handed hitter, meet short porch… move to the outfield may have set him back. The Yankees and Royals aren’t ideal trading partners, however. Austin Jackson and Jose Tabata are practically untouchable, the Yankee organization’s first impact positional prospects in a long while. Melky is very similar to DeJesus, so the Royals won’t have a ton of interest there. Long shot.
Adrian Beltre- Overpaid, but the contract length is manageable [2 Years]. Lacks plate disciple. Had best season in ’04 while playing hurt, because he couldn’t swing at everything. Flourished when forced to play within himself… but he hasn’t sure that consistent ability since. A phenomenal fielder who could blossom within Girardi’s disciplined environment. Seattle was a horrible fit for him from the start. The Mariners show no desire to work the count, and the front office doesn’t seem to care. Perhaps participating in an offense including Jeter, Abreu, Posada, and Giambi would do wonders… Hard to believe he’s still only 28. I’m a big Beltre fan. His talent would never allow him to be a total disaster, and the upside is still enormous.
Hank Blalock-####ed up the last couple of years… Could argue he’s been a disappointment relative to the hype… perfect “change of scenery guy” whose value has taken a hit… Jon Daniels can be swindled.
Scott Rolen- Shoulder injuries scare the hell out of me… but he’s Scott Rolen. One of the best fielding third baseman ever. Laid back demeanor, quiet fire would play well in New York. Cold war with LaRussa is truly fascinating. The two obviously despise each other, but his name almost never comes up in trade rumors… how long does it continue? With LaRussa back for the foreseeable future, he’s probably available. Last truly great year was way back in ’04, was having an excellent ’06 before wearing down in September due to aforementioned shoulder issues… could see the Yankees in pursuit, if for the name value only. Will surgery have him back to 100 percent? Mike Mussina for Scott Rolen sounds sensible… well, maybe not to Cardinal fans.
Miguel Tejada- His range combined with Jeter’s would probably doom Wang to a plus 4 ERA… Ball doesn’t explode off the bat like it used to, but he’s still a technically proficient hitter, with an excellent approach, especially with men on base. Unrealistic with Angelos still calling the shots in Baltimore, though Melky is perfect for them.
Garret Atkins- Low on the list because his acquisition isn’t likely… another great fielder. Ian Stewart sill lurks in the minors, but the consensus has Atkins lapping him, totally secure. Chien Ming Wang is a guy they’d love, for his ground ball tendencies in Coors Field. Wang would be a CY Yong candidate with that defense behind him, especially Tulowitzki. Rockies probably don’t want to mess with their chemistry… but a match could be there.
Pedro Feliz- Advanced defensive metrics consistently tab him as one of the best fielding third baseman in baseball… a free agent, so it only costs green to grab him, a plus… Another guy who might benefit from better coaching, he SWINGS AT EVERYTHING… people are quick to dismiss the guy, but he really wouldn’t be a terrible option while Brad Suttle develops…
Miguel Cabrera- I’d hate to trade the farm for him, but he IS a prodigy, and his familiarity with Girardi is comforting, especially with the well known character issues… he’d be a defensive liability, unless they move him to first and give third to this guy—
Wilson Betemit- A future superstar, once upon a time… the Yankees want his flabby physique in better condition… With his atrocious swing from the right side, but dangerous cut from the left, he’s a potential platoon partner with this guy—
Morgan Ensberg- I fear Kei Igawa for Morgan Ensberg makes too much sense not to happen… Kevin Towers is an Igawa fan for some bizarre reason, and an Ensberg/Betemit platoon could actually work… mashes lefties, but you figured that out by now… Pretty abysmal in every way last season. Rocket arm at third. I’d pass, but that’s just me.
Not listed:
Joe Crede: Chris Russo’s personal choice, which should be enough of a deterrent. Unfathomably awful plate discipline, his best season featured an .OBP of .323! How is that possible? On top of everything, he’s coming off back surgery. And he’ll have to be pried away in a trade. If the Yankees go after this guy, I’m cashing my check for ’08. It will severely depress me. I’d take the tag team duo of Ensberg and Betemit any day of the week. STAY AWAY!
Nothing personal, Joe…
Mike Lowell: You just know someone will step up and offer him a ridiculous four-year contract. I don’t want it to be my team.
Brandon Inge: Too streaky, strikeout prone. Great athlete, though…
Scott Brosius: They won because they had the best pitching in baseball, OK? Best rotation, best bullpen. The Bro man was a money post-season player, but he didn’t pull his weight in any regular season past ’98. Just the facts, Jack… Get over the guy. He was a championship player, deservedly loved, but let’s not go crazy and claim he’s better than A-Rod. Come on, now.
The Wildcard:
Youliesky Gourriel - Yes, he may never leave Cuba. But in the word of …Joaquin Andujar… youneverknow.
