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Contenders In Need Of A Third Base Upgrade

Today let's take a look at contenders lacking at third base.

• Indians:  They've used Jack Hannahan at the hot corner, and he hasn't hit outside of April.  Top prospect Lonnie Chisenhall is the team's third baseman of the future, so any acquisition would probably be for the short-term.
• Tigers:  The Tigers committed to Brandon Inge's defensive-minded contributions in the offseason.  Inge's bat was worse than expected in April and May, but he'll be returning soon from a bout with mononucleosis.
• White Sox:  Rookie Brent Morel has gotten the bulk of the playing time.  His defense draws praise, but it's hard to make up for a .251/.263/.317 line.
• Twins:  Danny Valencia has struggled.  Winners of eight straight, the Twins are now 6.5 games out and could think about buying if the next few weeks go well.
• Mariners:  Chone Figgins hasn't shown any signs of life, though Adam Kennedy (.283/.320/.435) might start stealing more playing time at third.
• Brewers:  Casey McGehee fell off a cliff this year, and he hasn't been better lately.
• Cardinals:  Daniel Descalso has been holding down the fort as David Freese aims to return from a broken hand this month.  Plus, Matt Carpenter has a .427 OBP at Triple-A.  Assuming there are no ill effects for Freese, the Cards should be fine at third base.
• Pirates:  Josh Harrison and Brandon Wood haven't done much in 172 plate appearances.  Pedro Alvarez was having a rough year before he went down with a quad injury in May.  Still, the Pirates have options and it's tough to see them acquiring a third baseman.

The trade market is fairly bleak.  Speculative trade candidates include Mark Reynolds, Wilson Betemit, Casey Blake, Kevin Kouzmanoff, Ian Stewart, Edwin Encarnacion, Mark Teahen, Figgins, Mike Aviles, Brian Barden, Cody Ransom, and Josh Fields.  Aramis Ramirez said earlier this month he would not accept a trade.

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