I've been away for a month: my apologies. I hope all of you are enjoying your summer, which is going better than the 2013 New York Yankees season is. Playoffs are pretty much out of the mix, unless the team goes on a Braves or Tigers-esque tear by winning like 80% of their games over the rest of the month. But, that won't matter in 2014. What does matter is that third baseman Alex Rodriguez could miss the entire season if his suspension is upheld, or even possibly reduced to missing a large chunk of the season. How will the Yankees prepare for this? The front office must go into the season prepared, and not try and patch it with Jayson Nix or another old, injury-prone veteran (This means you, Kevin Youkilis and your $12 million salary). Let's take a look at the options:
Free Agent Third Basemen (all names via MLBTradeRumors.com)
Eric Chavez
Placido Polanco
Mark Reynolds
Michael Young
Kevin Youkilis
If that's not an awful list, I do not know what is. Let's eliminate Youkilis: he's a goner, and likely is his MLB career. Chavez played well in a bench role in NY from '11-12, but I would not be surprised if he stays out west, having another career resurgence with Arizona. Reynolds has been DFA'd by the Indians, and really should be a DH - he is an awful fielder. That cuts to Polanco and Young. Polanco is not suited to be an everyday player, but really a UTIL IF. Michael Young is a player the Yankees would sign; that's such a Yankees move. You have to put up with the poor glove, but he's still a decent RHB.
Most Likely Signing: Young
Free Agent Middle Infielders
Omar Infante
Ben Zobrist (Option)
Stephen Drew
Jhonny Peralta
Yunel Escobar
I will almost guarantee Zobrist gets his option picked up. I will almost guarantee Escobar remains at SS and get a decent contract somewhere. That leaves Infante, Drew and Peralta. All three are comparable ages at 31, 31, 32. Infante has played 107 games at 3B, according to Baseball Reference. Drew has started hitting again, like he did in Arizona, which could earn him some more $. Drew reportedly turned down more money from the Yankees this offseason to play everyday in Boston. Peralta is a great fit to move to 3B: he's a good hitter with a decent glove but little range. Plus, Peralta will be coming off his 50 game Biogenesis suspension. I'd prefer Drew or Infante, as they are the more premium players, but they'll require a likely 3 year contract, at least. Peralta is a good fit.
Most Likely Signing: Peralta
Internal Options
David Adams
Eduardo Nunez
Ronnie Mustelier
Jayson Nix
Nunez will be considered the SS in case Jeter goes down again. Nix should be no more than the utility man. So, it's Adams or Mustelier. Yankees should play Adams nearly daily down the stretch: see what he's got. His bat looked like it was turning around just has he got sent down the first time. He can play the position, and finally stayed healthy this year. His bat, and plate approach should translate to the majors - might as well see what he has. Mustelier has just had awful luck: getting hurt just as Spring Training ended, costing him a roster spot, getting hurt as he got hot in the minors and just being awful in AAA since. I want to see both of these players get a shot, but Adams getting the gig.
Internal Candidate: David Adams
So, what'll happen? The good thing is that the Yankees, if A-Rod's suspension and loss of contract $$ is included, will have approx. $140 million coming off the books. If they can invest that in an SP, Cano, and a legit catcher (McCann?), they can bring in a Peralta type. For now, we have to think David Adams could be the Yankees 3B next season.
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