The Third Baseman Market

Looking to fill a need at the hot corner?  Here is MLBTR’s rundown of the possibly available third basemen.

• Garrett Atkins, Rockies.  It seems that the Rockies will listen on Atkins, who will reach free agency after the 2010 season.  The Indians may have interest.
• Dallas McPherson, Marlins.  Jorge Cantu is getting the job done for the big club, while McPherson is hitting .283/.378/.604 with 15 home runs in Triple A.
• Joe Crede, White Sox.  Despite all the springtime rumors, it seems unlikely that the first-place Sox would trade Crede.  Josh Fields could be a valuable trade chip, though.
• Kevin Kouzmanoff, Padres.  Another lousy April for Kouz, but he’s doing a fine job this month.  He’s still cheap, so the Padres will probably keep him if they throw in the towel.
• Jose Castillo, Giants.  He’s played tolerably this year. 
• Willy Aybar, Rays. The Rays don’t seem to have a place for him.
• Chad Tracy, Diamondbacks.  It may make sense to keep him around to compete with Mark Reynolds.  Plus, teams would want to see Tracy prove his health.
• Brandon Inge, Tigers.  The respectable April did not hold up.  He may be available, but his contract runs through 2010.
• Bill Hall, Brewers.  He’s not happy about the Russell Branyan callup, and Hall still at least has the 30 HR pop.
• Casey Blake and Andy Marte, Indians.  Neither has hit this year. Blake is a free agent after the season and Marte is out of options.
• Melvin Mora, Orioles.  His bat continues to decline, and he’s signed through ’09 with a no-trade clause.