A free agent player who does not have these problems, albeit some problems of his own, is Casey Blake. Blake hit .274/.345/.463 last season splitting time between the Dodgers and Indians. His career line is .264/.334/.447. Granted, these are not the types of numbers you'd ideally like from a first baseman, and at the age of 35 next season, there's no reason to expect a big improvement on his career numbers. That being said Blake provides a benefit that none of the other available first basemen provid: flexibility. Blake has played first, third, and right field and is competent at all three. This is important for the A's, as Blake can play third when Eric Chavez is unavailable (which he almost certainly will be for portions of the season). Signing Blake would also give Daric Barton a chance to contribute to the big league team if and when the A's feel he's ready to do so. Even if the A's want to start him on the big league roster, the A's can give the majority of the playing time to Barton at first, Chavez at third, Buck in right, and Cust at DH, but also start Blake at each of those positions once or twice a week. Again, Blake may not be the best fit in the world as his offensive potential is a touch lower than that of some of the other options and is seeking a three year deal, whereas Johnson and Giambi would be signed only through this year. If the price is right, however, Blake wouldn't make a bad signing.
Casey Blake
8 December 2008
18 July 2008
Or they could shift the entire infield around if Casey Blake is dealt, and that’s the most likely outcome of this situation—other than merely returning Cabrera to second sack. The Dodgers were interested in Blake as part of a Sabathia swap, and the Rays have been rumored to want him, though it’s not clear where he’d fit in. He’s certainly a good corner man in the infield or outfield, and could be a supersub to a contending team that wants to give up a lot for him. If anything might happen from Cabrera’s work at short, this is it, but it may just be a case of using Cabrera where he worked best in Buffalo.
Posted by Street Reporter | 2 comments
