Decisions, Decisions- Infielders

The next segment in the "Decisions, Decisions" series will take a look at free agent infielders. Although many believe that the only need is at first base, certain circumstances may arise that would cause the Yankees to need more than this. These circumstances will be explained before each infield position's listed possibilities.


Should Jorge Posada's rehab show that he is unable to catch for all, or any, of the 2009 season, the Yankees may look into a more quality backup catcher than Jose Molina. With that, let's take a look at the catchers on the market.

Catchers

Josh Bard- Prior to the 2008 season, Josh Bard had shown that he was a quality backup catcher, with his best season coming in 2007, and another quality season in 2006 (seven of these games came with Boston, where he did not do so well). However, I do not see Bard as a superior backup to Jose Molina, thus I do not see him signing with the Yankees

Michael Barrett- Michael Barrett was once a quality catcher for the Chicago Cubs. However, those days are behind him. Also, his attitude problems may scare many teams away, including the Yankees. Much like Josh Bard, I see Jose Molina as a better catcher, thus I do not see Barrett donning the pinstripes in 2009.

Miguel Olivo- Many rumors had the Yankees linked to Miguel Olivo around the time of the All-Star Break. Olivo has been much better offensively than Jose Molina. However, he has a slightly lower fielding percentage throughout his shorter career. Because I cannot see the Yankees offering Ivan Rodriguez arbitration, for fear that he will accept, and because Olivo could possibly become a free agent, should the Royals opt for the buyout, I could see Olivo signing a short contract with the Yankees if Jorge Posada's rehab does not take the route that we hope it does.


Should the Yankees opt for the buyout on Jason Giambi's contract, which is very likely, a first baseman would be a necessity. Here's what the free agent market has to offer:

First Baseman

Mark Teixeira- Mark Teixeira has been great thoughout his somewhat short career. With numbers such as 203 home runs, a lifetime .290 batting average, and a .996 lifetime fielding percentage at first base, Teixeira could be exactly what the Yankees need to spark the line up. Having lacked a Gold Glove-type first baseman since the Don Mattingly era, I can see the Yankees signing Teixeira in a heartbeat.

Hank Blalock- Although this name has been thrown around very little in the Mark Teixeira hype, Hank Blalock may be a great plan B to Mark Teixeira. After great seasons in 2005 and 2006, Blalock just could not seem to stay healthy in 2007 or 2008, playing in a combined 123 games. However, in the games that he did play from 2007 to 2008, Blalock had 24 home runs, 71 runs batted in, and had a .996 fielding percentage at first base in 2008 (this was the first year that he played the position). Blalock has always had the potential to be a great player, but has not had the chance as of late. Should the Rangers opt for the buyout and Teixeira go elsewhere, I could see the Yankees signing Hand Blalock.

Adam Dunn- Although Adam Dunn has made his name as an outfielder, he has played a good amount of first base in his career. Although he has never played in the American League, one would think that his outstanding numbers would translate after a short period of time. Despite the fact that Adam Dunn has had a great offensive career, his career fielding percentage at first base is only .984, which is lower than Jason Giambi's in his time with the Yankees. I don't believe that is what the Yankees are looking for in a first baseman, thus I don't see Dunn in a Yankees uniform, at least not at first base, come 2009.


After hearing many rumors about Robinson Cano being on the trade market, I decided that I should add a short list of possible replacements at second base. This list would only pertain to the Yankees if Robinson Cano is traded and the Yankees do not receive a second baseman in return. With that, here's who's available through free agency:

Second Baseman

Orlando Hudson- Although Orlando Hudson missed a good portion of 2008, he helped the Arizona Diamondbacks in many ways both this year and in years passed. Although Hudson has been out of the American League for a few years now, he is an All-Star caliber player that would surely readjust quite quickly. Although Hudson's numbers are a bit lower than Robinson Cano's, with the exception of his fielding percentage, which is .003 % higher than Cano's, Hudson would be far superior to any other second baseman the Yankees would have to offer. However, Hudson may ask for far too much money, especially since the Yankees would first want to acquire a starting pitcher and possibly a first baseman. In conclusion, I could see Hudson playing for the Yankees if Robinson Cano is traded, but don't look forward to Brian Cashman and the Yankees giving up on Robbie just yet.