Third basemen make up another fruitful class of free agents, perhaps the most fruitful of the entire 2009 class. The trade market for third baseman is also pretty bare, which should add intrigue, as most of the trade candidates have at least one serious flaw: Mike Lowell (injury-prone), Kevin Kouzmanoff (has gotten worse at the plate, doesn’t walk), and Andy Marte (doesn’t do anything well) for example.
Last year, in an uncertain economic climate (that has turned into a crappy economy, but arguably non-disastrous), only Casey Blake signed a multi-year contract to play third base. The class in question though, had Joe Crede , Aaron Boone, Jerry Hairston Jr. and Mark Loretta battling for second-best at the position.
This year’s class is significantly better.
There should be at least two or three players signed to multi-year deals, and in all likelihood, at least a player or two will opt for a short term contract with eyes on future earnings.
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