The Yankees’ Next Third Baseman

Peter Abraham hasn’t taken much time to move on from Alex Rodriguez, already listing out his third base possibilities for the 2008 Yankees.

Abraham starts with the one viable free agent option in Mike Lowell.  He adds three trade candidates in Joe Crede, Miguel Cabrera, and Adrian Beltre.  And he finishes with two internal candidates in Wilson Betemit and Robinson Cano.

They should all be on the radar although I don’t see the Mariners parting with Beltre.  Anyone else we can add to the list?

Among free agents, only Mike Lamb remains as someone who could be league average.  The Yanks could always sign Lamb and make their splash elsewhere, like with a Johan Santana trade.

Other trade options on my mind and in the comments of MLBTR readers: Kevin Kouzmanoff, Miguel Tejada, Eric Chavez, Scott Rolen, Chad Tracy, Mark Teahen, Hank Blalock, Garrett Atkins, and Aramis Ramirez.  Tejada and Ramirez seem unlikely for various reasons, but this is meant to be an inclusive list.

I like the Crede idea (interesting that he’s a Boras client).  He had back surgery in June and hopes to be ready for the start of the season.  He’ll be earning around $5MM in a contract year.  How about some sort of Crede for Johnny Damon swap?