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The Third Baseman Market Revisited

By Tim Dierkes [July 18, 2008 at 1:42pm CST]

Today let's take another look at the third base options on the trade market.

Garrett Atkins, Rockies. Atkins has displayed dramatic home/road splits since the beginning of '07. Plus, his defense is not well-regarded. He's under team control through 2010, and the Rockies' unwillingness to do a long-term deal should tell you something. They'd probably still ask for a lot though.
Casey Blake, Indians. Blake seems likely to be traded. His versatility is a plus, and he provides an .800 OPS. He's been linked to the Dodgers and Twins recently.
Adrian Beltre, Mariners. It's been suggested that the Mariners might keep Beltre just to avoid using an even more embarrassing offense for the rest of the season. The Twins have inquired on Beltre, who is solid on both sides of the ball. Beltre will earn a reasonable $12MM next year and has a limited no-trade clause.
Kevin Kouzmanoff, Padres. The Padres' public comments do not indicate a willingness to trade Kouz. However, there was a rumor that the Padres could deal him to open up third base for Chase Headley. Kouzmanoff hasn't even reached arbitration yet.
Ty Wigginton, Astros. Wigginton is hitting .282/.368/.470 in 231 plate appearances, and can play multiple positions. He's a bit like Blake, though I believe he's under team control through '09. The Astros haven't given any signals that they're shopping him.
Ron Belliard, Nationals. Belliard is signed for '09 at $1.9MM. He can help in a utility role.
Hank Blalock, Rangers. Blalock briefly moved to first base, but never appeared there in the Majors. He returns to the lineup today after a slew of injuries and setbacks. He's an interesting hitter, but hasn't played much in recent years. Blalock has a $6.2MM club option for '09.
Jose Castillo, Giants. Castillo posted an .854 OPS in May, but hasn't hit otherwise. He's not high on anyone's list.
Bill Hall, Brewers. Hall is platooning with Russell Branyan at third base. Originally, he wasn't happy about it and preferred a trade. There's probably not much of a market for him, nor is Doug Melvin motivated to make a deal.
Andy LaRoche, Dodgers. For some reason, LaRoche's name always comes up as a possible trade chip. The 24 year-old hit .277/.444/.420 in 38 Triple A games this year, and hasn't had Major League success. He started the season on the DL with a torn thumb ligament.
Melvin Mora, Orioles. The O's are stuck with him - he has a no-trade clause and a $9MM commitment next year. He might be the worst starting third baseman in the game.
Mike Lamb, Twins. Lamb is a DFA candidate; he lost his starting job with an awful first half. Unfortunately he is under contract for '09 at $3MM.

Full Story | Comments (7) | Categories: Trade Market

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Comments

you could add rich aurillia to the list... he's been playing pretty decently for the giants and I feel he would be more likely to be traded then Castillo

Posted by: putmeincoach | July 18, 2008 at 03:06 PM

How bout Kouzmanoff to the Rangers for Laird + B- prospect?

Padres get a good defensive catcher and open up third base for Headley and the Rangers get a regular third baseman that doesn't have a history of injury.

Posted by: thecoolest | July 18, 2008 at 03:34 PM

Andy laoche is brought up because he's put up good minors numbers and doesn't seem like he'll get a real chance with LA.
Kouzmanoff will not go any where. One of the few padres with value.
The O's should think about just releasing mora. The at bats are a waste. If not he needs to be strictly bench material.

Posted by: joemorgan=#1 | July 18, 2008 at 04:44 PM

If the Padres were to trade Kouz i would think it would be for the area of biggest need, the outfield. The Padres have some decent catchers in the minors, and Kouz has value. Plus with the idea of Laird for Kouz would be nuts since laird has two more years of team control compared to 4 for Kouz.

Posted by: AirmanSD | July 18, 2008 at 04:58 PM

Rangers might go after Kouz but first priority for them is pitching and they have no problem sticking with the Vasquez/Duran platoon for the rest of this season if Blalock is shipped or doesn't pan out.

Posted by: JoeM | July 18, 2008 at 05:08 PM

Twins get atkins, i want him here !! that would add so much to the tiwns line up. . do you think the twins would rather part with cuddiar or span?? I heard they want to hold on to span. . do you think Span/Cuddiar and (b+) Anthony Swarzak would be eanough to get him, or would we neeed to add someone more? thoughts ??

Posted by: Bray991 | July 18, 2008 at 08:29 PM

Kouz to Twins would be perfect.

Posted by: HouseThatKirbyBuilt | July 21, 2008 at 09:26 AM

The Third Baseman Market Revisited

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