According to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer, first baseman Scott Hatteberg would welcome a trade. Joey Votto, off to a .310/.319/.549 start (AVG/OBP/SLG), seems to have taken Hatteberg’s job. When asked about the situation, new GM Walt Jocketty said he hasn’t had inquiries on the veteran. He makes just $1.85MM, so that won’t be an obstacle.
Hatteberg, 38, hit .310/.394/.474 in 116 games last year for the Reds while facing mostly righties (he’s a lefthanded hitter with a major platoon split). For that reason, Hatteberg wouldn’t pair well with Carlos Delgado on the Mets. He’d be better suited to replace Delgado if the Mets release him. Delgado might have bought himself some time with a two homer game yesterday.
One first baseman who doesn’t hit righties well is Richie Sexson. Hatteberg could be a good fit in Seattle.
