Let’s take a look at Rockies first/third baseman Garrett Atkins. Atkins turns 29 in December and is disappointed by his .287/.331/.451 line in 632 plate appearances this year. His hitting away from Coors has been worrisome – .245/.305/.417 in 600 ABs the past two seasons.
The Rockies haven’t signed Atkins to a long-term deal, so he faces a possible $6.5-7MM arbitration reward for ’09. He’s under team control through 2010. Troy E. Renck writes of the "growing possibility" of a trade, with the Rockies aiming for frontline starting pitching.
Plenty of teams will be looking for corner infield help this winter – possibilities include the Giants, Yankees, White Sox, Twins, Indians, A’s, and Dodgers. But what if that road line holds up, and Atkins is basically a more expensive Kevin Millar?
