Quote:
Originally Posted by flambers
AA has already said his perferred method of acquiring players is via the trade market.
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I know that he said he is going to explore the trade market - but lets take a look at what 2nd basemen could be available via trade that would be worth parting with prospects/roster players and would be an upgrade over Hill/Johnson. Keep in mind, this is without knowing contract status, and minor league systems.
For sure unavailables - Pedroia, Cano, Phillips (possible I suppose is Cozart moves over to 2nd, but I don't know the Reds well enough to know who would fill ss), Weeks, Kinsler, Uggla (may be available, but doubtful), Utley.
Potential trade targets - Kendrick, Infante, Barney, Walker (tho I think he just re-signed in Pitt, but I really like this kid), Zobrist, Ellis (could be a potential target), Espinosa (has some serious pop in his bat and it awfully young too - needs to learn the strike zone), Gordon Beckham (could be a target, needs to bounce back to his 2009 season), Giavotella (pipe dream), Kipnis (pipe dream), Ackley (pipe dream), Altuve (doubtful for a rebuilding Astros), Freddy Sanchez in SF.
I just don't know if there is a deal that can be had with the latter 5 or 6, as these are rebuilding teams with budding superstars at 2nd base. Unfortunately I think the best option that is quite plausable is Mark Ellis out of Colorado - guy is a good stop gap for next year. This is all unless Anthopolous wants to trade some key pieces out of his farm system and get a high-ceiling prospect like Kipnis or Ackley (both of which are highly unlikey to move).