Since the departure of Scott Rolen in 2002, the Phillies have lacked a true figurehead at third base. After one of the worst performances in postseason history for such a figurehead, there are whispers that Yankees' third baseman Alex Rodriguez could be available via trade.
Now, many may immediately tell you that A-Rod does not make sense for the already aging Phillies, but I am here to argue such a case. Obviously every player has their ups and downs with a team throughout their playing career, but here are some reasons why Rodriguez should be wearing red pinstripes in 2013.
1. He is Alex Rodriguez- A career .300 hitter, 647 career home runs, 1,950 RBI, and owner of three Most Valuable Player Awards. That should be enough to speak for itself. I understand that he is surely past his prime, but he is still, as Yankees GM Brian Cashman said, "An above average player".
2. Low risk/High Reward- There is no team in their right mind that would ever trade for Rodriguez without the Yankees paying a large chunk of the 5 year/$114 million contract still owed to him, after signing a 10 year/$275 million contract in December 2007. If the Phillies could have the Yankees pay at least 1/2 of the $114 million, I see this as a good deal for both sides. At 5 years/$57 million, $11.4 million for a third baseman in this day and age would be chump change to the Phillies.
3. A large improvement- After a 2011 season shared between Placido Polanco, Kevin Frandsen, and Freddy Galvis, it is safe to say the Phillies would not mind to upgrade. Now that Polanco is gone, and both Frandsen and Galvis would make for great players off the bench, Rodriguez could be the guy to fill such a void. Ruben Amaro also shot down any chance that second baseman Chase Utley could move to the hot corner, making third base one of the team's largest needs.
4. Who else is out there?- Well, if you are not a Rodriguez fan, that is fine. But the third base market is nearly non-existent. Free agents include: Jeff Kepinger, Eric Chavez, Brandon Inge, Placido Polanco, Ty Wigginton, and Kevin Youkilis. As far as the trade market goes, David Wright may be available, but would the Phillies be willing to give up the farm once again, along with taking on another hefty multiyear contract? I doubt it.
5. A right handed power threat- Something the Phillies have lacked since the departure of outfielder Jayson Werth in 2010, a power threat from the right side of the batter's box. In a lineup that includes lefties Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, and Dominic Brown, a right handed bat such as Rodriguez that could add some power is just what the Phillies are in desperate need of.
Now once again I will add that A-Rod is not the same player he was in 2007. He is not expected to have another .314/54 HR/156 RBI anytime soon, but he is a guy that could provide timely offense, occasional power, and a player that can still swipe a base here and there.
Alex Rodriguez would not solve all of the Phillies problems if they were to make such a move, but a trade of this stature would make sense for both the Phillies and the Yankees. One must also remember that Rodriguez is playing in the New York spotlight, and that if he were to come to Philadelphia, heckling and upset fans could not break his stone solid ego, especially after watching three quarters of the 2012 postseason from the bench.
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