So you’re still looking for a Third Basemen? And Hank Blalock is gone now?
No Problem!
The way three baggers have been falling off these days, Fantasy managers might have to consider stashing one aside as their back-up right NOW!
It beats potentially scrambling even worse in a month or so, right?
Here are 10 suggestions of varying depth that should help you get through.
At least until the Rays, Padres and White Sox come to their senses and call up Evan Longoria, Chase Headley and Josh Fields respectively.
Shallow
Kevin Kouzmanoff - Padres
The Kouz man’s horrific start last season masks a decent rookie year. WaiverSharks loves this guy’s upside - currently ranking him with the Great White’s in THE CAGE. Could he become our first Megalodon of the Month?
Akinori Iwamura – Rays
“Aki” is still available in many leagues, likely due to his lack of power. This is a bit of a shame. He’ll soon qualify for both 2B and 3B, and should show improvements across the board this year provided he remains healthy. He’s had a great spring.
Medium
Mark Reynolds – D-backs
Has some serious power, but has to strike out less to be real effective. Chad Tracy is not yet a factor.
Pedro Feliz - Phillies
He won’t steal, and his AVG. rarely breaks .250, but he goes from a pitchers park last year to a hitter’s park in 2008, with a much better line-up.
Deep
Brandon Inge - Tigers
With Curtis Granderson down the 1st couple weeks of the year, “Mr. Utility” will man Comerica Park ’s spacious center field. You could do a lot worse than Babe Inge in that potent Tigers line-up.
Jorge Cantu – Marlins
He’ll get the nod to man the Marlins hot corner to start the year. He beat out Dallas McPherson to earn the job handily this spring. He may not qualify for 3B just yet, but provides nice Sleeper potential when he does. It wasn’t that long ago when Cantu hit 28 homeruns and batted in 117 runs for the Rays in 2005.
Mike Lamb - Twins
Lamb finally has a full time gig to start his Twins tenure. 20 homeruns and a tight .285 average are not out of the question.
Deepest
Jack Hannahan -Athletics
With Eric Chavez having no timetable for his return, this former Tiger could be a decent fill in for your 3B spot. He’s currently tied for the most homeruns this season with ONE! Okay, it’s early and he is considered to be more of a contact type hitter.
Marco Scutaro – Blue Jays
He’ll fill in for the injured Scott Rolen, and at least get you some regular at bats. He could be a serviceable utility player since he qualifies in most leagues as 2B/SS/3B.
Andy Marte - Indians
Okay, we’re really reaching now. But Casey Blake is not the Indians long term solution at third. If Andy could start tearing it up like his potential once promised, he could be a real hidden gem! We have him listed amongst our Blue Sharks in The CAGE.
Bonus Suggestion
(This list is like Spinal Tap’s amp-it goes to eleven!)
Scott Moore – Orioles
Moore’s solid spring assisted in the Orioles releasing OF Jay Gibbons. He’ll follow Melvin Mora on the depth charts, but the versatile Moore could find regular playing time at 1B/3B/OF or 2B if a an Oriole goes down.
