Newsday.com is reporting that the New York Yankees already have a short list of candidates they'd like to see succeed Alex Rodriquez at third base. According to Ken Davidoff the list includes
"Mike Lowell and, as trade possibilities, Seattle's Adrian Beltre and Florida's Miguel Cabrera. St. Louis' Scott Rolen is a dark-horse candidate."
Obviously the Lowell option no doubt appeals to the Yankee's penchant for signing stars away from their arch rival Boston. However, reports out of Boston seem to suggest both Lowell and the Sox are interested in continuing that relationship so that seems somewhat unlikely. Beltre does have some power but he's been very inconsistent over the course of his career and he's getting paid an all star salary. Cabrera would probably be the best option to replace A-Rod's power and RBI's but the Yankees will likely have to give up quite a bit to land him. Last (and possibly least) would be Rolen. Being a Cardinal fan it's tough to be objective but I think Scott could fit in well in NY. Depending on some of the other moves the Yanks make (resigning Posada etc) their lineup wouldn't neccesarily need another big power threat and Rolen's glove has always been top notch. Plus, with the return of Tony LaRussa as manager, Rolen might be looking for a change of scenery.
So, there you have it. 4 intriguing possibilities, all of which have at least one glaring flaw. I don't see the Yanks going with what they've got at third though so it will be interesting to watch which of these scenarios unfolds.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m sure they’ll be able to pay whoever they pick up.
And with all the extra cash lying around, they might not need to pick up a bat at third base. They could afford to pick that up elsewhere. Or multiple elsewheres.
Al, that’s true but there are only so many places to put a bat and 3b is one of them.
they don’t need power as much as team chemistry…BELTRE!