JLB
November 15th, 2007, 2:04:55 PM
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7440306
By most accounts, the winter ahead is light on available talent.
Generally, that's true. The pitching market is woefully thin and, other than Alex Rodriguez, there are no superstar bats to be had. However, there's one position that, thanks to a couple of notable free agents and a positively flush trade market, boasts a (relative) embarrassment of riches: third base. In some senses, that's a good thing. After all, notable teams like the Red Sox, Yankees, Dodgers, Phillies, Twins and Angels are in need of help at the hot corner. Of those, the Yankees, Dodgers and Angels have the option of turning to internal solutions (Wilson Betemit, Andy LaRoche and Chone Figgins/Brandon Wood, respectively), and the Phillies (for reasons sufficient only unto themselves) have made noises about making do with the status quo. So for whoever does decide to enter the third-base fray, there's much to choose from.
Available for hire are Rodriguez, the soon-to-be AL MVP, and Mike Lowell, the reigning World Series MVP. On the trading block (if the rumors are to be believed) are big names like Miguel Cabrera, Scott Rolen, Miguel Tejada (could be shifted to third), Hank Blalock, Joe Crede, Garrett Atkins and (less likely) Troy Glaus. Needless to say, that's a lot for teams to choose from.
By most accounts, the winter ahead is light on available talent.
Generally, that's true. The pitching market is woefully thin and, other than Alex Rodriguez, there are no superstar bats to be had. However, there's one position that, thanks to a couple of notable free agents and a positively flush trade market, boasts a (relative) embarrassment of riches: third base. In some senses, that's a good thing. After all, notable teams like the Red Sox, Yankees, Dodgers, Phillies, Twins and Angels are in need of help at the hot corner. Of those, the Yankees, Dodgers and Angels have the option of turning to internal solutions (Wilson Betemit, Andy LaRoche and Chone Figgins/Brandon Wood, respectively), and the Phillies (for reasons sufficient only unto themselves) have made noises about making do with the status quo. So for whoever does decide to enter the third-base fray, there's much to choose from.
Available for hire are Rodriguez, the soon-to-be AL MVP, and Mike Lowell, the reigning World Series MVP. On the trading block (if the rumors are to be believed) are big names like Miguel Cabrera, Scott Rolen, Miguel Tejada (could be shifted to third), Hank Blalock, Joe Crede, Garrett Atkins and (less likely) Troy Glaus. Needless to say, that's a lot for teams to choose from.