Sox Needs - Back-up First Baseman

To honor my favorite time of the season, I’ll be going over the Sox biggest trade needs in the approaching weeks, as well as analyzing some possible solutions. Keep coming back – I’m really going to try and keep this blog up-to-date.

Back-Up 1st baseman – Not a top priority, especially since the Sox may end up with Snow back on the roster if nobody takes a flyer. However, it would be nice to have someone available to give Youkilis or Lowell a day off (b/c Youkilis fills in for Lowell). One might argue you can skate by with Ortiz as a back-up, especially when Wily Mo Pena returns. However, my concern is in the later innings of a close game where Francona would be unable to pinch run for Youkilis because nobody could take over first without a steep defensive AND offensive dropoff during high-leverage innings. Ideally a second 1st baseman would be a solid bat off the bench – a better option than Harris or Mohr had been, perhaps better than Kapler. A bat isn’t needed, especially when Pena returns, but it would be ideal, especially since the Sox do not need a defensive replacement for late innings.

Internal Possibilities – Choi isn’t the answer. He has struggled in the minors this year and doesn’t give us a whole lot to work with. Snow could very well be back if there is no interest in him by other teams.

External Possibilities – I know analysts are convinced Huff is going to Detroit, but he would certainly fit the bill here, as well as giving us a guy capable of playing all over the diamond. Perhaps Craig Wilson (yes, he plays 1st too) would work, as he's having a solid season. Unfortunately there are starters available, but not solid offensive guys who will likely be content as back-ups. In an unusual twist, the Sox do not need a defensive wizard on our bench, as our starter is quite possibly one of the top defensive 1b in the league. The Sox could use a guy who plays 1st and 3rd, or a guy who plays 1st and the OF to maximize roster flexibility, and I think Huff fits the bill. Perhaps LeCroy or Fick from Washington as they have all types of depth in the OF and at 1b and a GM desparate to make a good impression on new ownership.

Final Word: This may be a waiver-wire trade later in the season, but the Sox really need somebody to spell Youkilis on occasion - be it Snow or someone we are not yet aware of. Acquiring a back-up 1b shouldn't cost much talent from our roster and should be a relatively easy move to make, but it's not a top priority.