The MLB Trade Parket Part II: Corner Infielders

First base and third base are very similar positions. Third base is way higher on the defensive spectrum. But what makes them similar is that when a team has two good third basemen, they can often move one to third base. And first and third basemen often have similar frames.

You'll see that many of the names in this article have experience at both positions.

These are positions where the current free agent class is lacking beyond Mark Teixeira and Casey Blake.

If your team has a missing void at one of these positions, here are the names to consider at the corner infield positions.

The biggest name out there is Prince Fielder. At one time the youngest player to hit 50 home runs in a season, Fielder is only 25 next year. But can the Brewers afford to retain him? I doubt he's traded unless the Brewers are gonna re-sign Sabathia or Sheets.

The Orioles have a couple who could be available.

Going into the offseason, the Orioles are a very unpredictable team. Will they sell off their veterans or will they try to contend?

Perhaps a combination of both, but they shouldn't expect to compete next year in the AL East. First, they should develop a young core to compete with those of the Rays and Red Sox.

The Orioles designated hitter and third baseman last year were Aubrey Huff and Melvin Mora respectively. Huff is a free agent after 2009. Mora can be as well, but has a $9 million option for 2010.

Trading Huff would be the ultimate sell-high. His OBP was .360 and his SLG was .552. Both are his highest since 2003.

At 37 next year, Mora is getting up there in age. He's probably too small to play first base and his glove is declining. But he still makes contact and he hit 23 home runs last year. His one year commitment will appeal to some teams.

Other rebuilding teams have players to sell off.

Adrian Beltre of the Mariners is a free agent after 2009. Despite criticism for not being as good as expected when signing with the team, Beltre has been an above average hitter and fielder. His road numbers in 2008: .292/.349/.512. The Mariners are looking to cut salary and Beltre is one of their more tradeable players.

The Pirates will probably listen to Adam LaRoche offers. His OPS+ on the road in 2008 was 135. He's hit 20 home runs in each of his full years in the big leagues, which started in 2005. His contract expires after 2009. With the depth at first and third base in the Pirates' farm system, LaRoche shouldn't have a future with the team.

Adrian Gonzalez of the Padres? Since the Padres really want to get rid of Peavy, why not try an all-out fire sale. Gonzalez is signed below market value through 2011. I wrote an earlier article about why the Padres shouldn't trade Peavy. But if they do trade him, they should plan on trading basically everything else they have with value.

The Blue Jays are looking to cut salary and perhaps they will dangle Scott Rolen and Lyle Overbay.

Rolen is owed $22 million through 2010. Overbay is owed $14 million through 2010.

Overbay is decent. He walked 76 times last year, he has 15-20 home run power and he's a good defender (even if it's at the easiest position in baseball). He's a below average hitter for a first baseman, but he isn't terrible either.

Rolen will be 34 next year and just can't seem to stay healthy. His glove and range are declining. His days of being a formidable lineup presence are behind him as well. The Blue Jays would have to trade for an equally bad contract or include cash in the deal.

Others could be on the trading block depending on offseason moves.

Mike Lowell of the Red Sox would have to be moved if they sign Mark Teixeira. Lowell is getting up their in age and his contract doesn't help (two years remaining worth $25 million). His bat is still good when healthy, but he may need offseason surgery. He still has a decent glove but he's not the elite defender he once was.

Ryan Garko may not have a place on the Indians. This would be the case if Kelly Shoppach is made catcher and Victor Martinez becomes first baseman. Garko will only be 28 and he has a bat of 20 home run power. He struggled last year, but in 2007 Garko was an above average hitter at age 26. His affordability gives him value.

Prospects are forcing out veterans.

Garret Atkins of the Rockies is likely to be replaced at third by Ian Stewart. Atkins can play first and third, but beware of his misleading numbers. His road numbers in 2008: .233/.278/.383. His glove is pretty mediocre as well, but he may appeal to some of the dumber GM's out there.

Anyone want Bill Hall? It seems like it was longer ago than 2006 when he hit 35 home runs. Matt Gamel is likely to take away Hall's job as Brewers third baseman. Hall has terrible strike zone management, but he can play second base and outfield as well as third. Teams would likely take a chance on him as a utility player if made available.

Last but not least is the Rays' Joel Guzman. Sent over in the Julio Lugo trade from the Dodgers in 2006, Guzman was once a highly regarded prospect. He doesn't have a place with the Rays as they are set with Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena. Guzman struggles with plate discipline but has power and range to play shortstop.

How likely are these guys to be traded? Based on my instinct, here's a chart on the probability that these guys are traded.

80% or higher: Adrian Beltre, Adam LaRoche, Garret Atkins.

50/50: Aubrey Huff, Melvin Mora, Ryan Garko, Bill Hall, Joel Guzman.

Less than likely: Scott Rolen, Lyle Overbay, Mike Lowell.

No chance: Adrian Gonzalez.