Let’s assess Ryan Klesko’s situation and background. He could be a candidate for a waiver trade this month.
When he has been on the field, the 35 year-old Klesko has recently been seen in left field. Last year, he dealt with back soreness/spasms, a fever, a pinched nerve in his neck, and a strained shoulder. He got into 137 games despite all of that, but slugged just .418.
The Padres planned to move him to first base and the #2 slot this year, but a cortisone shot didn’t solve his shoulder problem. By April he’d decided to have surgery. Currently he’s about a week away from playing in rehab games. Some team might want his left-handed bat, and if his shoulder’s better some power could return.
Klesko makes $8MM in the final year of his deal; Kevin Towers has already mentioned that he won’t exercise Klesko’s 2007 option. As a 10 and 5 player, he the ability to reject any waiver claim. He’s said he’s willing to waive that right if there’s a chance to play full-time for a contender. Adrian Gonzalez is hitting .303/.346/.519 as Klesko’s replacement.
Earlier in July, the Red Sox expressed a little bit of interest in Klesko. While any trade would involve a contending team, it’s unlikely Klesko would be a starter. The Twins and Angels could have interest as well.
