Some Help Available On Free Agent Market

Tim Dierkes over at MLBTR posted the following lineup of players still available on the free agent market:

C – Javier Valentin
1B – Frank Catalanotto
2B – Ray Durham
SS – Damion Easley
3B – Mike Lamb
LF – Wily Mo Pena
CF – Jim Edmonds
RF – Geoff Jenkins
DH – Frank Thomas

A glance at the list shows that there are a few players freely available who could help the Yankees at this point. Mike Lamb would be a solid placeholder at 3B, with Cody Ransom being so awful as to guarantee that he would pass through waivers should the Yankees choose to replace him. Lamb is a solid bat and a slightly below average glove, but he is a legitimate major leaguer and is likely to outperform Ransom. The quick return of A-Rod likely makes this point moot, although I am still curious as to why the Yankees did not sign him to start the season.

More relevant is the availability of Damion Easley. Easley is a solid bat for a utility infielder, and is strong with the glove at 2B and adequate at SS and 3B. He could replace Ransom on the roster, play 3rd until Alex returns, and then slot into the utility role. I think that he is a better option than Mark Grudzielanek and Ray Durham because he plays more positions on the infield and can therefore be used to spell Cano, Jeter, and Rodriguez.

Finally, I will once again mention Jim Edmonds. He would be a perfect fit on this club, a left handed power bat off the bench who can start in CF if Brett Gardner cannot get it done. He would not require a long-term investment, making him a great placeholder until Austin Jackson arrives, and he can easily be released should he struggle. The Yankees should try to trade Melky Cabrera (White Sox are desperate) and bring in Edmonds.

What do you think about these free agents? Have anyone else in mind?

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