Mayberry in 2012?

[Erik]

In recent years they have eaten contracts when necessary (Jenkins, Eaton), so that could happen, but I don't think there's much in the way of 3B out there.

[Bodhizefa]

In recent years they have eaten contracts when necessary (Jenkins, Eaton), so that could happen, but I don't think there's much in the way of 3B out there.

Yeah, that's the real issue. 3rd base is a black hole at the Major League level right now, so it's not as easy as saying, "We're going to go out and improve at third base!" As an example, I think we can all agree that a guy like Youkilis was pretty mediocre at third this year both offensively and defensively. And yet he ranked 4th in total WAR for the season at the position. 4th!

A part of me wonders if a guy like Kelly Johnson could be moved to third. He'd be an interesting upside option if you could sign him for cheap and convince him to move positions.

[The Dane]

From Rotoworld:

Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said Tuesday that he'd like Domonic Brown to spend another full season at Triple-A.
Brown posted an underwhelming .760 OPS over 174 plate appearances at the Triple-A level this season. The Phillies don't believe he's ready to be a full-time major league player quite yet, and are likely to try John Mayberry Jr. in left field to open 2012. Raul Ibanez is a free agent.

[Erik]

He also said he would like Rollins back, but not on a five-year deal.

If Mayberry is in left, who plays first while Howard is out?

[fuhrdog]

If Mayberry is in left, who plays first while Howard is out?

Carlos Pena?

[harmon]

Yes, that's right and What's on 2nd.

[Erik]

Carlos Pena?

That's just what they need, another low-average guy who strikes out a ton.

[willthethrill]

He also said he would like Rollins back, but not on a five-year deal.

If Mayberry is in left, who plays first while Howard is out?

I think that they'll look for someone who can play 1st/3rd (like EE), or of/1b. Cuddyer has been a popular speculation on the message boards.

Oh, if they only had traded Blanton for Michael Young when they had the chance...:bang:

[Erik]

Oh, if they only had traded Blanton for Michael Young when they had the chance...:bang:

That was never really on the table, was it?

[Erik]

I think that they'll look for someone who can play 1st/3rd (like EE), or of/1b. Cuddyer has been a popular speculation on the message boards.

Then there's the "trade Brown and some other prospects to the Mets for Wright" theory.

[willthethrill]

That was never really on the table, was it?

Hard to know if it was or not. There were certainly plenty of rumors about it.

[Erik]

In his presser today, Manuel said that Mayberry "will get every chance in the world to be an everyday player."

And it sounds like they envision him in LF because their current estimate for Howard's return is 5-6 months, which is April or thereabouts.