PBR - It looks as if the market for a third baseman just got tighter.
According to various reports, New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez will undergo surgery on his left hip and could be sidelined until May or June. The news means the Yankees may delve into the same barren market as the Phillies to find a third baseman.
Perhaps the best name on the free agent market right now is Eric Chavez. The 34-year-old played with the Yankees last season, hitting 16 homers in 113 games. Chavez has battled back issues throughout much of his career; last year was the first time he played in more than 100 games since 2006.
Kevin Youkilis is another free agent option at third base, but his offensive numbers have declined significantly over the past two seasons. He hit .235/.336/.409 with the Chicago White Sox last year.
The Phillies avoided arbitration with Kevin Frandsen last month and agreed to a one-year deal with the 30-year-old, but general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has been vocal about upgrading at third base. Frandsen hit .338/.383/.451 with two homers over 55 games for the Phillies this season and will likely split time with Freddy Galvis if the club decides to fill the position internally.
The center field situation will dictate what Amaro's next move is. If the club overspends to sign a free agent than it's doubtful anyone but Frandsen and Galvis open the season at third base.
- Patrick Gordon is the editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Contact him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com or @Philabaseball on Twitter.
