Graffanino Wants to be Traded

David Wells and Manny Ramirez have grabbed all the attention about wanting out of Boston even though they are under contract but another player also wants out of Boston. That player is Tony Graffanino and he wants to be a starter somewhere. The Red Sox agree that Graffanino should be a starter but they have Mark Loretta and Alex Cora ahead of Graffanino (even though Cora's bat isn't close to that of Graffanino). They would like to accomodate him and move his $2 million contract.

Graffanino has handled his situation with class and I see him being nothing but positive in Spring Training.

Assuming the Sox won't deal Graffanino to an AL East team - that leaves 25 teams. Graffanino is best at 2nd but can also play 3rd or even first. What team could use a player like that? The White Sox, Indians, Tigers, Royals, Angels, A's, Rangers, Braves, Nationals, Cubs, Astros, Brewers, Pirates, Cardinals (assuming they are happy with Aaron Miles or Junior Spivey at 2nd), Diamondbacks, Rockies, Giants and Dodgers are all set and are probably not trade partners for Graffanino.

That leaves the Twins who are weak at 3rd (Tony Batista is an abomination), Mariners at 2nd (Jose Lopez is no prize), Marlins at 2nd (Pokey Reese is always a question mark), Mets at 2nd (they would love to replace Kaz Matsui), Phillies at 3rd (David Bell is also an abomination), Reds at 2nd and 3rd (Freel has off field issues and Edwin Encarnacion is no prize) and Padres at 2nd and 3rd (Vinnie Castillo is the mother of all abominations and Mark Bellhorn may be the best option at both 2nd and 3rd). Of these teams - I doubt a deal will be made with either the Mets or the Phillies (Minaya does not like dealing with Boston and the Phillies kinda have to go with Bell at third because of his contract). That leaves the Twins, Mariners, Marlins, Reds and Padres. If I were one of these teams - I would pony up a B-level prospect for Graffanino in a heatbeat because if they wait too long Graffanino will be gone. And that will be their loss.