Headlines

  • Red Sox Place Hunter Dobbins On 15-Day IL Due To ACL Tear
  • Astros Promote Brice Matthews
  • Red Sox Likely To Activate Alex Bregman Tomorrow
  • Phillies Reportedly Targeting Controllable Relievers
  • Yankees Prioritizing Pitching, Also Searching For Infield Help
  • Orioles Trade Bryan Baker To Rays
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2025 Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Third Base Options For The Athletics

By Tim Dierkes | February 28, 2012 at 10:52am CDT

Unfortunately, Athletics third baseman Scott Sizemore is out for the 2012 season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.  Assistant GM David Forst addressed reporters today, explaining that Josh Donaldson will get the first look as his potential replacement.  The team will look both internally and externally for other options, though Forst noted that spring training is generally not a time for trading.

Donaldson, 26, is a catcher by trade, but he's played the infield corners and a touch of outfield in the minors.  According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, "The A's liked the work Donaldson did at third base the final month of last season at Triple-A Sacramento and at winter ball in the Dominican Republic, and they believe he's improved enough defensively to handle the position at the big-league level. In addition, some think Donaldson will hit better when he's not catching."  The A's have a few other internal candidates, but a little outside help is worth considering.

Slusser wrote Sunday the A's would be likely to have interest in Alberto Callaspo of the division-rival Angels, if they could get him without parting with a significant prospect.  Our free agent tracker shows a few minor league deal options, such as Miguel Tejada and Wes Helms.  Where could the A's look if they are to get more aggressive on the trade market this summer?

Baltimore's Mark Reynolds could become available, though he's not known for his defense and has limited no-trade protection.  Chone Figgins is another midseason name to consider, but only if he gets off to a strong start and the Mariners assume most of the money remaining on his contract.  Same goes for Brandon Inge of the Tigers.  I could see the Rockies moving Casey Blake, should Nolan Arenado force the issue in a few months.  Projected as a short-side platoon partner at the infield corners for the Pirates, Casey McGehee might prefer a chance to play regularly again.

The A's are in a weird spot, as Sizemore seemed something of a stopgap himself.  Most likely if they bring in anyone this spring, it'll be a free agent on a minor league deal, or a trade for someone who signed one, such as Blake, Brooks Conrad, Jose Lopez, Mark Teahen, or Brandon Wood.  In that case, guys like Donaldson and Stephen Parker might as well get looks.

Share 1 Retweet 17 Send via email0

Oakland Athletics

Astros Name Myers Closer; Rework Vesting Option
Main
Orioles Sign Josh Banks
View Comments (52)
Post a Comment

52 Comments

  1. Brandon 20

    13 years ago

    Fine, someone tell Billy to call me up, I’ll do it.

    Reply
  2. Josh Amaral

    13 years ago

    Jack Hannahan

    Reply
    • sportsnut969

      13 years ago

      Hannahan for Co Co with Sizemore going down this would be a one for one that helps both teams this year IMHO.

      Reply
      • MaineSkin

        13 years ago

        I don’t see Oak giving up all those SB for a kid who was hot for a couple months. 

        Reply
  3. stl_cards16

    13 years ago

    Matt Carpenter from the Cardinals could be a good fit that wouldn’t cost a lot.  He has the potential to be a solid 3B but he’s never going to get that chance in St. Louis.  He’s now 26 and it appears he will be the odd-man out and not get a regular roster spot again.  I like him quite a bit so I’d like to see him traded somewhere he could get a chance to become the regular 3B.

    Reply
    • Redbirds16

      13 years ago

      I thought the same thing.

      Reply
  4. User 4245925809

    13 years ago

    That is one lean list of names. sure, reynolds has the power, but -0- else.. helms is getting old. Man.. beane has his work cut out here as the available FA for 3b was brutal anyway outside of Ramirez.

    I bet you he sure wishes had held onto Bailey a little longer before the swap with Boston and tried to work up something bigger to involve Middlebrooks about now.

    Reply
    • Tom

      13 years ago

       Totally agree!  Perhaps local kid McGahee would be a nice fit.  Chavy is my favorite, but he wouldn’t even WANT a full-time gig!

      Reply
    • redsx968

      13 years ago

      I don’t think the Sox would give up Middlebrooks in a Bailey deal

      Reply
      • User 4245925809

        13 years ago

        If the deal had been widened. Seem to recall there was talk of Suzuki mentioned at one time also. Boston seems to be more than happy with Salty and he was league avg in 2011.

        But? Water under the bridge now.. Beane is a smart GM and will find someone for sure.

        Reply
        • Cora the Destroya

          13 years ago

          The Greek God of Walks… I’d be okay if Beane takes him from us.  He wanted him all that time before and even if he’s older now, he’s still the Greek God of walks.

          Reply
          • User 4245925809

            13 years ago

            yeah.. You know? Not picking on Boston fans here now but here me out please…

            We Sox fans have been blessed with really good 3b for 50+ years and sometimes take it for granted.. Frank malzone, Then George Scott played it a few years before going to 1B, Joe Foy, Rico petrocelli, Butch Hobson, Wade Boggs, Billy Mueller, Lowel, Youk.

            What is missing there? Someone was ready before the previous inhabitant was either traded, retired, or moved to another position. That would not be the case if Youk is moved yet, cause it looks like Middlebrooks isn’t quite ready for a break in for a team contendinding for the playoffs and there would be a roulette of standins breaking a 50+ year old tradition of steady, solid players at 3b… One position, even over LF where they had 3 consecutive HOF of good ball players.

            Then? Maybe I just don’t like seeing traditions broken also…

            Reply
      • Cora the Destroya

        13 years ago

        Maybe trade the Greek God of Walks to Billy Beane?

        Reply
  5. Lastings

    13 years ago

    Eric Chavez! Oh wait…

    Reply
    • Ira

      13 years ago

      yankees have Hall and Branyan signed to minor-league contracts and neither one will make the team. either one would make a decent “insurance” back-up for Donaldson.

      Reply
      • sportsfan07

        13 years ago

        Branyan is nothing left but a DH and an emergency 1B. Bill Hall isn’t good enough to be in the majors anymore. Really don’t want the A’s to waste a roster spot on him. The only real options I see are McGehee hoping that he returns to his ’09 and ’10 form or Donaldson.

        Reply
  6. Hy

    13 years ago

    Where’s Bobby Crosby?

    Reply
    • gmenfan 2

      13 years ago

       A free agent, it appears. A free agent who hasn’t hit over .237 in the last seven seasons, but a free agent none the less.

      Reply
  7. Lefty

    13 years ago

    Instead of Mark Reynolds from the O’s, why not Josh Bell?

    Reply
  8. $19253129

    13 years ago

    It would be a nice spot for Roger Dorn to make a long awaited comeback!

    Reply
  9. Tom

    13 years ago

     The A’s resemble the ‘Major League’ Indians, it could happen!

    Reply
    • Shane Heathers

      13 years ago

      Charlie Sheen is available I think, and the bullpen could use an extra arm.

      Reply
  10. $7562574

    13 years ago

    what is up with sizemores? is it some kind of a gene that gives athletic ability and then takes it away with injury? allowing low dosage, doctor-controlled hgh’s maybe a good thing for the baseball.

    Reply
    • Shane Heathers

      13 years ago

      As time goes on and hgh and PED’s become medically acceptible and prominent throughout mainstream society it will happen. Bonds looks pretty good as he approaches fifty. These guys (and gals) that were doing PED’s under medical supervision seem to be doing fine. It’s a shame because horror stories of people taking ridiculous amounts of steroids and the sanctity of the game argument ishurting all of us. Lots of us have injuries that hgh etc. could help. Public opinion will come around over time. 

      Reply
  11. MadmanTX 2

    13 years ago

    The Rangers have a great prospect for 3B in Mike Olt, but I don’t see anything for the Rangers in the A’s roster for a trade match up.

    Reply
  12. 101andcounting

    13 years ago

    I wonder if Beane and Theo are on the phone right now talking about Blake DeWitt. He’d be an acceptable stopgap – he has a decent amount of upside and no place to play in the Cubs’ infield.

    Reply
    • gmenfan 2

      13 years ago

       He’s a warm body that would definitely fill the hole.

      Reply
  13. haymaker9

    13 years ago

    How about Matt Dominguez from the Marlins system?  He’s blocked by Hanley now.  If he costs too much in trade, I definitely see the Rockies having some guys the A’s would take.  Brandon Wood and Casey Blake were mentioned, but the Rox probably would also consider moving EY2, Nelson or Herrera.

    Reply
    • Redbirds16

      13 years ago

      I was thinking along the same lines. Matt Carpenter is blocked in St. Louis by David Freese. I’d imagine there are plenty of options out there like Carpenter, Dominguez, etc, if the A’s decide to look on the trade market.

      Reply
    • progmatinee

      13 years ago

      I’m curious what will happen with Nelson. This is his last shot with the Rockies. Will he break camp with them? Even if he does well, I expect he’ll be moved shortly. But I would love for him to have a breakout Spring, win the 3B job over Blake and stick. Just doubt that will happen.

      Reply
  14. Rick Garcia

    13 years ago

    Watch Billy trade for David Wright

    Reply
    • Snoochies8

      13 years ago

      Don’t tease us like that! haha

      at the moment, I would be more than happy with someone who still has options (and better yet, prospect status, more years under control just in case)

      list of (possible) options, in order, including internal and external guys

      matt carpenter
      taylor green
      josh donaldson
      todd frazier
      james darnell
      conoro gillaspie
      stephen parker
      matt dominguez

      getting the external ones and/or their availability, however, is a complete different story

      Reply
  15. Ben Durkee

    13 years ago

    Trading for a third basemen when you are currently scrapping the entire team would not be prudent. They should just give Josh Donaldson, Eric Sogard, and Adam Rosales a shot until Sizemore could comeback. I think Sizemore should still get the job when he comes back for next year. 

    Reply
  16. jazznbluz

    13 years ago

    A msg. to Dan Duquette – Please, please, please trade Mark Reynolds.  Ask Billy Beane for a couple of fungo bats and a box of used balls.  Anything.  Just get him off the team. 

    Reply
    • Jason G

      13 years ago

      On behalf of A’s fans, please, no!

      Reply
    • Allison

      13 years ago

      Why do you think the D-Backs let him go so cheap?

      Reply
  17. youthinkwhat

    13 years ago

    Why would the Mariners give Figgins away if he starts off hot?

    Reply
  18. youthinkwhat

    13 years ago

    Why would the M’s just give Figgins away if he starts off hot?

    Reply
  19. PennMariner

    13 years ago

    Taylor Green would also be an interesting fit, being blocked by Aramis in Milwaukee and all.

    Reply
  20. Tom

    13 years ago

    Long-term, the A’s still need a great third baseman, Scott Sizemore is really only a stop-gap in my opinion – looks to be a .250 15hr hitter.  That’s decent enough but not a long-term corner-infielder IMHO.  Would love to see someone like Donaldson fill-in until the A’s can trade for a really solid 3B prospect mid-season.  In my dreams Manny produces and the A’s trade him and Coco mid-season for a ML-ready 3B stud!

    Reply
  21. Iconoclast17

    13 years ago

    Is Sal Bando still alive. He’d be a better option that Eric Chavez, who stole $66 million from the A’s and then magically regained his ability to hit/spot start when the Yankess signed him. It was a miracle.

    Reply
  22. Awesome Anahiem Angels

    13 years ago

    Callaspo for who?

    Reply
  23. cookmeister

    13 years ago

    If the A’s didn’t sign Manny, i think the Angels and A’s could have hooked up on a deal of Callaspo + Abreu for low level prospect and salary relief.  Basically including Callaspo in a deal with Abreu to make the A’s take more salary.

    Reply
    • Iconoclast17

      13 years ago

      Don’t know why the Angels would help the A’s (pity?) but can’t the two still swing a deal for Callaspo?

      Reply
    • Iconoclast17

      13 years ago

      Don’t know why the Angels would help the A’s (pity?) but can’t the two still swing a deal for Callaspo?

      Reply
  24. BrettLawrieBiggestFan

    13 years ago

    Bobby Crosby  is currently serving as an Area Scout for the Toronto Blue Jays in Gilbert, Arizona.[

    Reply
  25. rmceachinjr

    13 years ago

    Why not sign Tejada to a minor league deal? If he doesn’t do well in the spring, you are not out much, and if he does do well, it is another homecoming like they have done over the years with Reggie, Rudi, Canseco, Giambi, and Rickey.

    Reply
  26. rmceachinjr

    13 years ago

    Why not sign Tejada to a minor league deal? If he doesn’t do well in the spring, you are not out much, and if he does do well, it is another homecoming like they have done over the years with Reggie, Rudi, Canseco, Giambi, and Rickey.

    Reply
  27. jesse heiman

    13 years ago

    They should trade prospects for one of the third basemen behind chase Headly in sd or for John McDonald from dbacks

    Reply
  28. Gene C

    13 years ago

    Give “Miggy” a shot, it’s only spring training…

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

    Top Stories

    Red Sox Place Hunter Dobbins On 15-Day IL Due To ACL Tear

    Astros Promote Brice Matthews

    Red Sox Likely To Activate Alex Bregman Tomorrow

    Phillies Reportedly Targeting Controllable Relievers

    Yankees Prioritizing Pitching, Also Searching For Infield Help

    Orioles Trade Bryan Baker To Rays

    Yankees Release DJ LeMahieu

    Trevor Williams To Undergo UCL Surgery

    Nationals Fire PBO Mike Rizzo, Manager Dave Martinez

    Brewers Activate Brandon Woodruff

    Clarke Schmidt Expected To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Bobby Jenks Passes Away

    Braves Release Alex Verdugo

    Top 40 Trade Candidates For The 2025 Deadline

    Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim

    Yankees Have Shown Interest In Ryan McMahon

    Royals Interested In Bryan Reynolds

    Rangers Option Josh Jung

    Kevin Pillar Announces Retirement

    Braves Place Spencer Schwellenbach On IL With Elbow Fracture

    Recent

    Royals Receiving Interest In Catching Prospects

    J.C. Escarra Drawing Trade Attention

    Cristian Javier Begins Rehab Assignment

    Multiple Teams Showing Interest In DJ LeMahieu

    Rafael Devers Suffering From Disk Injury In Lower Back

    Mets’ Dedniel Nunez To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Trade Deadline Outlook: Seattle Mariners

    Reds Activate Jake Fraley, Option Christian Encarnacion-Strand

    Red Sox Place Hunter Dobbins On 15-Day IL Due To ACL Tear

    Cubs Select Brooks Kriske

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Sandy Alcantara Rumors
    • Luis Robert Rumors
    • Alex Bregman Rumors

     

    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android App Store Google Play

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
    • Front Office Originals
    • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
    • MLBTR Podcast
    • Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

    hide arrows scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version