Options at the ‘Hot Corner’
December 9, 2009
With Carl Pavano agreeing to arbitration, the Twins should turn their attention to shoring up some holes in the infield, mainly either at third base or second base. It is safe to assume that Nick Punto will fill either role that is left unfilled. Also, for reasons probably due to service time, the Twins don’t want to push Danny Valencia, the heir-apparent third baseman of the future, up to the majors too early. Here are a few realistic options that have been tossed around this offseason.
Adrian Beltre
Beltre is one of the higher sought after third basemen on the free agent market this season. The Seattle Mariners offered arbitration, however, Beltre declined to test the free agent market. The amount of teams trying to acquire Beltre, though, will more than likely drive up his asking price. This, along with Valencia potentially waiting in the wings, could lead to the Twins to pass on pursuing Beltre for third, even though he probably is the best option out there.
Pedro Feliz
Feliz is an aging third basemen but still has a good glove and some power, which would fit nicely for what the Twins would need. Feliz spent most of his career with the San Francisco Giants before signing with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008. The Phillies declined picking up his option for a third season and have already appeared to replace him with Placido Polanco. The Twins have been rumored to be interested in Feliz although reports state that they haven’t contacted his agent yet. A one-year deal for his services at third could be a decent, and inexpensive, option.
Kevin Kouzmanoff
The San Diego Padres have been rumored to have been shopping around their third baseman and reports say that the Twins offered Glen Perkins in exchange but the Padres declined the trade wanting a little more than that. Kouzmanoff would be a decent pickup for the club but would fit better in a long term role. Again, with Valencia close to being ready it wouldn’t make sense to trade for Kouzmanoff, unless it was to get rid of a few extra expendable players such as Perkins.
Mark DeRosa
It was reported today that the Twins had talks with DeRosa’s agent about coming to Minnesota. DeRosa is getting up there in age, which is perfect to take over the duties at third for a short time period. DeRosa is also versatile and could make a move to second base if Valencia is called up or can even fill in one of the outfield positions if needed. DeRosa doesn’t have the power that Beltre, Feliz or Kouzmanoff have, but he is a consistent hitter that could be an asset to the Twins. Although he will be 35 before the start of next season, DeRosa would fit probably better than the previous three third basemen on the list.
Joe Crede
If worse comes to worse, Joe Crede could be a viable option if he is still on the market. Crede fit in well with the team and seemed to be made of the same mold when he was healthy. His history of back problems, though, will make him a tough sell to any team unless he is given another incentive based contract. The Twins move outdoors next year and his back may hold up longer on a natural surface instead of the field turf, which could give the Twins enough time to finish developing Valencia in Triple-A. Crede doesn’t hit for average, but he can hit for power and would also give the Twins another pinch hit option off the bench.
Out of all of the aforementioned options, I would like to see DeRosa join the club the most with Feliz and Crede behind him. Kouzmanoff would be a good addition, but he would be more of a long-term option. As good of a player Beltre is, I doubt the Twins could afford to sign him to a contract.
Outside of that, another option could possibly be Garrett Atkins, who will more than likely not be non-tendered this weekend. Either that or the unsightly platoon of Nick Punto/Matt Tolbert/Brendan Harris at third until Valencia is brought up. Here’s to hoping the Twins make a move and spare us from that sight.
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