Marcus Giles, with a career line of .285/.361/.448, has been granted free agency at age 28 after only five seasons of Major League service. While last year was ugly, Giles still may be the best second baseman available.
Most speculation has been centered around the Padres, because Marcus’s brother Brian plays there. The Padres could’ve had Giles for Scott Linebrink, but now they can get him without surrendering players. Kevin Towers will talk to Giles’s agent today, though San Diego does have a capable option in Todd Walker already.
The Mets are also interested; they are looking to acquire a second baseman despite re-signing Jose Valentin.
Finally, the Devil Rays might check in. Jorge Cantu could be moved to first base or traded, opening up a spot. If Cantu were moved to first, he’d be competing with Ty Wigginton for playing time. That assumes the Rays sign Akinori Iwamura, which seems likely.
