The Mariners, A’s, and Cubs are some clubs that may be in the hunt for right field help. The players below may be available this summer.
- Xavier Nady, Pirates. Among right fielders, only Ryan Ludwick has been more productive than Nady this year. He earns $3.35MM this year and won’t reach free agency until after the ’09 season. It’d be tough for Pirates fans to watch their incredibly productive outfield be dismantled, but trading Nady and Jason Bay might serve the greater good.
- Brian Giles, Padres. The 37 year-old sports a .313/.398/.496 line in 367 ABs away from PETCO since the beginning of last season. He makes $9MM this year (plus another $2MM if traded) and his $9MM option for ’09 carries a $3MM buyout. He can block trades to eight teams.
- Randy Winn, Giants. He’s been decent at the plate this year. He makes $8MM this year and $8.25MM in ’09. Winn can block trades to ten teams.
- Eric Hinske, Rays. Hinske’s been a useful role player, but he could become expendable if Gabe Gross keeps hitting. The righty-mashing Hinske is making only $800K.
- J.D. Drew, Red Sox. Drew has his uses, but he’s not a $14MM player. He’ll be paid at that rate through 2011 and can block trades to two teams. The Sox could consider trading the MLB-ready Brandon Moss instead; he’d command a high price.
- Ken Griffey Jr., Reds. #600 will come any day now. Hal McCoy expects him to remain with the Reds for the entire season.
- Mark Teahen, Royals. The versatile Teahen had a nice half-season run in ’06, but otherwise his bat has been average or worse. He is under team control through 2010.
