Hank Blalock, Carlos Delgado, and Russell Branyan comprise the remaining free agent market for potential starting first baseman/designated hitters. Let's review all three, starting with Blalock.
Blalock, 29, is represented by Scott Boras. He hit .234/.277/.459 in 495 plate appearances for the Rangers last year. It was his first healthy season since '06, but he posted the lowest batting average and on-base percentage of his career.
Blalock came up as a third baseman, but played only nine innings there in '09. He logged 567.6 innings at first base, spending the rest of his time as a designated hitter. In recent years Blalock had a rib removed due to thoracic outlet syndrome and also had shoulder and wrist surgeries. The Indians are the only known Blalock suitor, as the Orioles, Braves, and Pirates have gone in different directions.
Could you guys imagine that not too long ago, The Marlins were contemplating whether to trade Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell to the Red Sox for Hanley, Sanchez and Garcia OR to the Rangers for the young Hank Blalock.
Watching Prime 9’s worst trades ever a few days ago, That definetly would have been #1.
I bet Blalock will sign with the Royals………………… I would bet that for 5 years, Dayton Moore mistakenly thought that Blalock WAS George Brett, thanks to all of the overhyped comparisions.
I’m also kind of happy to see most of these one-dimensional players struggling to find work and/or being forced out. I was glad to see Sosa benched and forced to retire even after being well on his way to a 100 RBI season a few years ago with the Rangers. Its nice to see the overspecialization coming down a bit and teams using the DH spot as more of a slot to rest guys instead of allowing Bonds and co. to hang around for years.
There just aren’t enough spots for Blalock, Dye, Thome, Gomes, Delgado, and co. all get everyday AB’s
I wish Jim hendry got him instead of tracy blalock is a lot more accomplished player and he was good as a dh and first. Basmen
Power off the bench is the best I could think for Blalock… If Thome settled for that, Dye and Branyan aren’t signed, and Delgado is considering retirement, the odds of blalock getting an everday job are slim.
Tim, I listened to your interview on 590 The Fan just a few minutes ago. The guys mentioned that they wouldn’t mind Blalock off the bench for the Cardinals. What are your thoughts?