If Mariners Are Buyers, First Need Is At Third Base

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Melvin Mora, Baltimore Orioles

The free agent-to-be is 37-years-old and would be the ultimate rent-a-player. That said, he would likely come at a very low cost (maybe one or two second-tier prospects) and is an offensive upgrade over the light-hitting Woodward.

Current line: .260/.321/.640 (BA, OBP, OPS), 2 HR, 22 RBI

Mark Teahen, Kansas City Royals

A man without on a role on the Royals, Teahen has been bumped from his third base gig by Alex Gordon, in addition to being bumped from nearly every other position on the field (first base by Billy Butler, and second base by Alberto Callaspo).

When Gordon returns from injury, Teahen will still be a starter, but at what position nobody knows. And while he might cost a little more to obtain, the left-handed batter possesses the plate discipline the Mariners seek in a hitter (he was chronicled in Moneyball, after all) and could work into the M's future plans thanks to his defensive versatility (he can play third, second, first, left field, and right field).

Current line: .292/.352/.806, 9 HR, 29 RBI

Bobby Crosby, Oakland Athletics

Crosby might be the least likely of possible additions for a number of reasons. First, he's currently in the division with Oakland. Second, he's not a true third baseman (he started out as a shortstop, switched to third, and is now mostly playing first base). And third, the A's tend to seek the same traits in a player that these nouveau Mariners do, so working out a trade might be difficult.

That said, Crosby is a former top prospect who has fallen on hard times in Oakland due to injury and waning opportunity. A change of scenery could do him some good.

Current line: .199/.289/.599, 3 HR, 19 RBI

Freddy Sanchez, Pittsburgh Pirates

You never want to pin too big a label on a guy, but Sanchez might just be the ideal candidate for the M's third base vacancy. A versatile defender who can hit for average, Sanchez can play three positions capably (third, short, and second), has won a batting title (2006), and is turning himself into a perennial All-Star.

On top of all that, he still has one year left on his contract and could fill a need at shortstop or second base upon Beltre's return. His ability to hit to all fields would play well in Safeco Field, and because he's not much of a power guy to begin with, he shouldn't experience a big drop-off coming to the American League.

Current line: .316/.355/.832, 6 HR, 33 RBI

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