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Atkins Could Lose Playing Time, Trade Value?
What to do with Garrett Atkins? The cleanup hitter for the Rockies has not been cleaning up, hitting .190 with only 5 homeruns and a mere .579 OPS. He's seen his slugging percentage decline each year since 2006.
Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post says the Rockies have five players for four infield spots and Atkins is likely to be the odd man out. If he can produce at the plate, the Rockies will play him with hopes that he'll regain significant trade value. If he can't, will the Rockies want to use him off the bench? Atkins does have minor league options remaining.
Atkins recently changed contact lenses and has seen recent improvement (albeit in a small sample size), hitting 2 of his 5 homeruns on June 4. Yesterday, Renck wrote, "Atkins has three hits in the past two games, emerging from his offensive coma. The Cardinals are seeking a third a baseman, but like all suitors, are waiting to see if Atkins consistently regains his swing." Atkins is making $7.05MM this season.
What would you do? Choose your own adventure: Send Atkins down to hope he regains his swing in Triple A? Shop him at his current value? Wait until the trade deadline to see if Atkins can demonstrate his power potential?
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