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Who's on third? Let's look at the far-fetched possibilities
Posted
at
7:34 am
by By Kirby Arnold
Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik, the man of international intrigue at the winter meetings this week, stoked the rumor fires Tuesday when he announced the Chone Figgins signing, and then said he wasn't sure what position Figgins would play.
Third base?
"...we have an interest in another infielder who used to be here," Zduriencik said.
While reporters in Indianapolis surely choked on their assumptions, it made me chuckle here in frigid Snohomish County. Zduriencik came into this job known as a guy who wasn't going to reveal his hand, and with this announcement he created a whole new set of rumors.
So from afar, let's join in.
The easy assumption is that the Mariners are negotiating with agent Scott Boras to bring Adrian Beltre back. Great idea, especially from a defensive standpoint on a team that clearly puts defense and pitching as Priorities 1 and 2 (not necessarily in that order). Beltre's bat is another story, because his impatience flies against everything the Mariners are trying to approach with their offense, although they'll gladly take his 20-some homers.
Still, Beltre seems more longshot than sure thing for the Mariners. So where do they turn? In the category of "another infielder who used to be here," these are the choices at third base:
Russell Branyan. Midway through the past season, when Branyan's bat was barking more than his back, a lot of folks started looking ahead to 2010 and could picture Branyan playing third (assuming Beltre would fly to free agency). Right now, Branyan's herniated disc is a huge concern to the Mariners, so much that they don't seem willing to offer more than one year and a lot of ice.
Rich Aurilia. For those who watched Aurilia wobble through his previous stint with the Mariners, insert your own comment here. Just keep it clean.
Jeff Cirillo. I saw him a couple of times last summer scouting for the Brewers. Looks like he could still get down on a ground ball. Of all the knocks against Cirillo during his checkered stint with the M's, his defense was fine.
Melvin Mora. OK, he really didn't play for the Mariners, but technically Zduriencik didn't actually say that. He said "another infielder who usesd to be here," and Mora played a nice third base many times at Safeco Field for the Orioles.
Edgar Martinez. In my dreams (No, really. I dreamed the other night that Edgar was playing third). Next time I see Edgar wearing a Mariners cap, it needs to be in the Hall of Fame.
Matt Tuiasosopo. Tui got a taste at second base in September and played well. He's playing winter ball now and very well could wind up at third base if all of the Mariners' other options don't pan out.
Scott Spiezio. Hah, made you look.
Mike Brumley. Bingo. Actually, he'll be in the third-base coach's box, not third base. I met him last month in Arizona, and it's clear he's thrilled and honored to be with the Mariners.
MIguel Cairo. Do we really want to go through that again? I don't think so.
Al Martin. I know, he was an outfielder. But if he supposedly can be a football star at USC, surely in his own mind he can play a stellar third base.
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Thanks Kirby, I needed a good laugh this morning.
Lonnie
Lonnie Mathis | Dec 9, 2009 9:56 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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