Are Alex Rodriguez’s days as a full-time third baseman numbered?
New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman says no. But others in the industry say the team may be laying groundwork to use Rodriguez as their primary designated hitter, starting next season.
The Yankees, who say they do not plan to trade Rodriguez, are trying to land a veteran infielder who can play third and also fill in at short with Derek Jeter coming off surgery on his left ankle.
However, few available players fit that description, and Cashman said Saturday that the Yankees’ intent is not to move Rodriguez off of third base.
“There is no discussion whatsoever about Alex transitioning from third base to DH, part-time DH, first base or any other position on the field,” Cashman said.
“As we approach anyone in the free-agent market or anyone in trades, we’re making sure we have insurance policies, (asking) our what-ifs?”
... So, the Yankees are looking for additional help.
The team has renewed its longstanding interest in free agent Jeff Keppinger, sources say, and also has expressed interest in Stephen Drew, according to CBSSports.com.
Two other infielders – free agent Marco Scutaro and Detroit shortstop Jhonny Peralta - might be even better fits for the Yankees due to their greater experience playing both short and third.
Repoz
Posted: November 24, 2012 at 03:49 PM |
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1. Srul Itza Posted: November 24, 2012 at 06:08 PM (#4308740)There is such a thing as longstanding interest in Jeff Keppinger? Isn't this like having a pining for Roseanne Barr for decades?
FTFY
You're bringing back bad memories. Stop.
Sure there is! I've been interested in Keppinger since he hit over .400 for like half a season at Altoona. He's a fun player.
Maybe for Satan's Nine.
It's worse than that, actually. The Yankees need a player who is good enough to play every day on a contender, and also both willing and able to play SS on Jeter's off/DH days and 3B on A-Rod's off/DH days. Not happening.
Clearly ARod. Jeter will be wheeled out there in a cart and dumped onto the field at the end. As long as he can play on his leg, he will be out there. And as we saw in the playoffs, they have no trouble treating ARod unfairly.
I mean, the Yankees have done it this way for 17 years. Why do we think they'd be different at the end?
They aren't necessarily great fits (i.e. the Yanks won't want to pay for them) but:
JJ Hardy (O's have Machado)
Scutaro
Drew
Peralta
Sean Rodriguez maybe
Punto maybe
Infante
Aviles (traded twice this offseason already)
I'm sure Michael Young is available. C'mon, he won't even have to shave off any facial hair.
Of course the punchline is....neither!
Buck thinks he's the best defensive SS in the AL' Machado is projected as the next great 3B-man for the Os.
I say get Scutaro as he can play SS and back up Cano at 2nd
Buck's hyperbole aside, I think Hardy is one of the most underrated players out there. He's a very good defender by all metrics including the eye test and he's got quite a bit of pop.
A-Rod is breaking down; Jeter has been on the field. A-Rod is much, much bigger than when he was a shortstop; Jeter's physique has remained near-constant over his career.
I'd wager that at this point in their careers, Jeter is the better defensive shortstop than A-Rod. Nearly an extra decade of practice and all that jazz.
#21 I don't know how Drew to the Tigers, Peralta to the Yanks could be any more obvious
Totally agree. Peralta at SS for a couple months and then to 3B as needed (and maybe back to SS for a few more months if Derek doesn't come all the way back and can be convinced to think of the team.)
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