Hot Stove League - Third base (Part 1)

Hot stove time may actually be my favorite part of the baseball season. I'm going to take a look at position by position using the following as a guideline for my posts:

- Where do the Red Sox stand (the Sox are my primary interest - so most or all posts will start with the Sox)

- Who's the best at the position in MLB

- Who are the available free agents at the position

- Predictions

Red Sox - Third Base

On Friday, the Sox announced that they had picked up the 2005 option for Bill Mueller. The official press release says that it was a $2.1 million otion but I'm pretty sure that it got boosted to $2.5 million because Mueller met a plate appearences clause in the contract. Either way - it's a bargain.

Mueller (if healthy) will give the Sox a solid glove at third plus about 15-20 HR, 35-40 2B, .300 BA and an OPS btween .810 and .860. In addition Mueller is a switch hitter and is the most solid of clubhouse guys. What's not to like?

Mueller is backed up by 25-year old Kevin Youkilis who will give you similar offensive numbers to Mueller but who has the added benefits of being both young and cheap. Third base will cost the Red Sox just about $3.0 million in 2005 (which is important for a team that needs to spent those salary dollars elsewhere like catcher, short stop and starting pitcher).

Second baseman Mark Bellhorn can also play third if the need arises. The Red Sox are well covered at third.

Top Third Basemen in MLB

1. Scott Rolen - Cardinals (best all-around)
2. Alex Rodriguez - Yankees (I don't like him but no denying the talent)
3. Adrian Beltre - Dodgers (free agent)
4. Eric Chavez - A's (maybe the best glove at third and 40+ HR potential)
5. Mike Lowell - Marlins
6. Hank Blalock - Rangers
7. Aramis Ramirez - Cubs (often overlooked)
8. Troy Glaus - Angels (if healthy - he's higher up the list - free agent)
9. Chipper Jones - Braves
10. Melvin Mora - Baltimore (just awful with the glove - was going to put Mueller here)

(Just missing the cut - Bill Mueller, Aaron Boone, Casey Blake, Shea Hillenbrand, Vinnie Castilla and Corey Koskie)

Top Free Agent Third Basemen

1. Adrian Beltre - Dodgers (may be re-signed - he was their MVP this year)
2. Troy Glaus - Angels (won't be re-signed - Angels going with Dallas McPherson)
3. Corey Koskie - Twins
4. Vinnie Castilla - Rockies (only batted .218 away from Coors Field - he should stay with the Rockies if he knew what's good for him)
5. Tony Batista - Expos (32 HR in 2004 but just .728 OPS)
6. Joe Randa - Royals (I always though Randa was over-rated)