Milwaukee Brewers: Finding a Home For JJ Hardy

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

By now it has become common knowledge even among the most novice Milwaukee Brewer fan that JJ Hardy will be dealt this offseason. Alcides Escobar has been groomed to become the starter, and the job will be his from day one in 2010.

Hardy had an awful 2009, that saw him demoted in August to Triple-A. He spent enough time in the minors that his service time this year won't count towards his free agency eligibility, so whichever team trades for him will have his services for two years and not one.

The Brewers won't get the return for Hardy that they would like since he scuffled this year, but he is still young enough with plenty of past success to still get quality pitching returning to Milwaukee. It is quite likely that Hardy will be part of a package being shipped out of Milwaukee to net the best possible starter in return. Both Mat Gamel and Corey Hart have been brought up in possible trade talks.

Hardy won't turn 28 until August of next season, so he's just entering the typical prime of a player's career. He hit 50 combined home runs between the 2007 and 2008 seasons, showing great power for his position. While he doesn't have the range of the great shortstops in the game, his arm is as powerful as anyone's in the game.

While a trade to any major league team is a possibility, some teams make more sense than others. I'll take a look at every team to try and determine a few that may ultimately become Hardy's home in 2010.

Teams with little to no chance of trading for Hardy

All NL Central teams- The Brewers would be very hard pressed to trade Hardy to the Cubs, Cardinals, Reds, Astros, or Pirates. Teams generally do not trade in their own division. While not an impossibility, too many bad things could happen to the Brewers to risk trading Hardy to any of these teams.

New York Yankees- A team with Derek Jeter at shortstop has no need for Hardy. Don't forget they also have Alex Rodriguez to move from third base if Jeter is ever out for an extended period of time.

Philadelphia Phillies- Jimmy Rollins may not be a great leadoff hitter, but he does so many things at the plate and in the field that would make Hardy useless in Philly.

Colorado Rockies- Two words: Troy Tulowitzki.

Tampa Bay Rays- The Rays have Jason Bartlett and Ben Zobrist, so they have no real need for Hardy.

Atlanta Braves- Yunel Escobar won't even reach arbitration status until 2011. Although he has been the subject of his own trade rumors, the Braves would be foolish to get rid of Escobar.

Arizona Diamondbacks- This is a situation very similar to the Braves. Stephen Drew has been the subject of many trade rumors, but he is still under team control for a few more years and isn't likely to go anywhere.

LA Angels- Erick Aybar has improved every year for the Halos and is under team control for a few more years.

Cleveland Indians- The Indians are in full rebuilding mode and wouldn't like part with the starting pitching the Brewers would ask for in return. Asdrubal Cabrera will likely be the team's shortstop for the next few years.

Texas Rangers- Elvis Andrus has the shortstp position locked up in Texas well into the next decade.

Chicago White Sox- You can never put anything past Kenny Williams, but with Alexei Ramirez as shortstop a deal is unlikely.

Teams with established shortstops that still could make a trade

Florida Marlins- Yes, I realize the Marlins have Hanley Ramirez. The team has made it known that Ramirez will one day move to first base as well. If they decide to make the move this winter, Hardy or a package could be had for any starter not named Josh Johnson.

New York Mets- Jose Reyes and his injury concerns are what make the Mets a player. If he can't come back completely healthy, Hardy would be a good back-up plan. The Mets and their fan base can't have a repeat of the 2009 season.

LA Dodgers

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