Thoughts on the DH "situation"

Before I make any comments, I should say I'm actually optimistic about Andruw Jones, but not as a DH. If he's going to play, I think making him an OF and giving Quentin some days off makes more sense. But anyways, moving on...

It's pretty clear that KW thinks the team could benefit from another lefthanded OF/DH option or he wouldn't have gone into discussions with Boras, and addressed the media about those discussions - neither of which is typical of him. He wants athletic types with the ability to play the OF if needed. I have to say, I would be surprised if we haven't added someone that fits this mold by July (unless we're out of contention, of course).

So, here's just a few of my own thoughts on some possibilities. If anything, at least this can stir up some discussion.

1.) Brett Gardner: He might be my favourite choice. He plays wicked defense, has outstanding speed, and knows how to get on base. An outfield of Pierre, Gardner, Rios would be scary good. Plus, he's make a solid 1-2 combo at the top of the lineup. The Yankees don't really need him. They've got Granderson, Swisher, Winn, Thames. Gardner has shown he has the ability to start, but it doesn't look like he'll get that chance with the Yanks. KW and Cashman are known to have a good relationship, so it's a realistic possibility.

2.) Felix Pie: I actually suggested this in the MLBTradeRumors forum. The O's need a 2B with Roberts hurt, and we've got an excess of IF's. I'm a huge Jayson Nix fan. I think he's got starter potential. He's got patience, power, speed, and great 2B defense. His AVG was low, but so was his .249 BABIP, which is bound to rise. Anyways, I think Pie has equally solid potential, and also has the athleticism that KW wants. The O's have one of the best young OF's in baseball already with the underrated Reimold to go with Adam Jones and Markakis. There isn't much chance for Pie to assert himself as a regular. I think this would be a trade that could give two players better shots at proving themselves as regulars, and also help each team. It seems like a win-win deal.

3.) Brad Hawpe: This one is a little more of a longshot. He's more of a middle-of-the-order type than the other guys, but he has the OBP that we need more than anything. He's a pretty awful OF, but he's passable enough to fill in on the corners every now and then to give guys a rest. The Rockies aren't exactly the big market team, and Hawpe isn't exactly cheap. He'd be a one year rental though, so we probably wouldn't have to give up much in return, and it's a possibility if they're willing to cover a little bit of the money he's owed. The Rockies don't have much need for him. They have Seth Smith, Spilborghs, CarGo, Fowler. Hawpe is clearly a good enough hitter to be a regular, but by the playoffs last year he relegated to the bench. The only real problem here is finding something they need.

4.) Melky Cabrera: True, the Braves just traded for him, but the main piece of that trade was Arodys Vizcaino. If Jayson Heyward makes the club, which is looks like he just might, Cabrera becomes an extra. Rumors have linked KW to him before, and I don't see why they wouldn't again. He sucks in CF and lacks upside, but he's a decent corner OF type with good athleticism.

5.) Matt Joyce: He's proven himself enough in the minors, but he realistically has NO CHANCE of becoming a regular in Tampa. They already have a solid OF, and Desmond Jennings will be coming up soon. Joyce is an underrated prospect with a knack for getting on base and gap power. He's essentially blocked in Tampa, who could use another RHR. Carl Crawford is another possibility...and he'd make my pants lift up...but I just don't see it happening.

6.) Adam Dunn: The Nationals are trying to assert themselves as being more than just a pushover, so I doubt they will make him available. I've also heard they want to extend him. He's also a terrible defensive player in every sense of the word. But...the guy is exactly what we're missing offensively. And if he has to play the field once a week, it's worth the sacrifice. We need OBP and some power if possible. He gives a ton of both. The Nationals have 3 passable OF's with Willie Harris, Nyjer Morgan (who's awsome), and Elijah Dukes. Josh Willingham can play 1B if Dunn leaves. Finding a need for the Nats isn't hard, but Dunn's salary would be a major holdup.

7.) Ryan Sweeney: This became less realistic when they traded Hairston back to SD, but it's still an interesting possibility. I have a hard time seeing KW making this move, because he'd essentially be making an already well recognized terrible trade look even worse, but he makes sense for our team. He's a good defensive OF (though defensive metics say he's elite..not just good), and he's got that athleticism KW loves. Seriously...he's got the perfect body that scouts look for, and the Sox are a very traditional team in terms of scouting. He's a guy that does a little bit of everything, with the potential for more. The A's have a bunch of OF's already. They've got Rajai Davis, Coco Crisp, Travis Buck is out of options (and thus another possibility), and Michael Taylor is almost ready. I'm not sure what they need though. Sweeney wouldn't demand anybody awesome, and they're already set pretty much everywhere with passable players. Still, I'm sure a fit could be found. But I don't see it happening.



Anyways, I'm done. Just some thoughts. Feel free to agree, disagree, offer your own suggestions, etc. Like I said earlier...I'm hoping for Gardner.