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2083 Offseason Preview: Free Agents, Part Two: First-baseman and Second-baseman
1/30/2083
Al Vincent
Staff Writer


First Base:

It's a good thing that the Broncos aren't looking for a first-baseman, because there just aren't many on the market this year who are worthwhile. That being said, if Denver didn't already have Ellis Bolling, the emerging Carter Vanderhoof might be very attractive, and not just because of his name. The 27 year old Vanderhoof has developed into one of the most well-rounded first-baseman in the league. He provides a good batting average(.296 last year), a good batting eye(.383 OBP and 80 walks), and excellent power(.506 SLG and 28 homeruns). Vanderhoof, who played with Charlotte and Buffalo last year, also provides a very nice glove at first base.

The only other notable free agent at first base is the 24 year old Nestor Adrover. The former Sacramento and Nashville first-baseman enjoyed a breakout year in 2082, hitting .327 with 37 doubles, 27 homeruns, and 116 RBI.


Second Base:

While there might be a dearth of strong first base free agents this year, the same cannot be said for second base. In addition to ex-Bronco Tomas Sato, there are a number of interesting options at second available on the market.

Elmer Giancola, owner of 419 career homeruns, is probably the biggest name available. Though he is 37 years old, Giancola remains an excellent player. He'll get you hits(.308 AVG last year), he'll get on base(.390 OBP and 75 walks), and he'll hit for power(.495 SLG and 23 homeruns). He's also an excellent fielder. Given his age and the salary he will likely demand, don't expect the Broncos to be interested in him.

Joining with Ramon Martinez and Nestor Adrover as one of the youngest free agents is 24 year old Antonio Cortines. Cortines batted .317 last year with an .845 OPS and 12 homeruns for Portland and Phoenix. A broken ankle that caused him to miss the final month of the season could bring down his asking price. His power and glove, however, make him an attractive option.

Cristian Zarzuela is a veteran who may not be aging all that well. While the 36 year old ripped 28 homeruns last year for Washington, his .298 OBP was a far cry from his career OBP of .342.

The next two players offer versatility over offensive production, though at least one will probably provide a capable bat. Ciro Joubert can play anywhere in the infield, though his glove is actually the best at first base. Joubert hit .294 with an .809 OPS and 22 homeruns for Kansas City last year, but his career OPS is only .735, and the 31 year old has an uninspiring .313 career OBP.

Aaron Palacios is a superb gloveman at both second-base and shortstop, has a solid batting eye, and remains a threat on the basepaths even at the age of 37. Palacios' bat isn't much to speak of- he's just a career .228 hitter with a .644 OPS- but he does have 175 stolen bases. Last year, he swiped 15 bases and posted a .658 OPS for Knoxville and Nashville.

Of these options, it is likely that Denver will either attempt to bring back Sato, or perhaps target the young Cortines, who offers a better glove than Sato and has the kind of bat that might flourish in the hitter's haven that the Broncos play in. However, there are some indications that Mounts will eschew any free agents or trades in favor of seeing whether or not backup infielder Jack Rumfelt can handle increased playing time. Manager John Wilkerson is very positive towards Rumfelt's glove and he likes the way that Rumfelt works the count when batting. Denver may look for a solid right-handed option to platoon with the left-handed Rumfelt, and a prime candidate for that job would be Patrick Chason, who was very solid as utility infielder for Denver last season and is also a free agent. Of course, if the Broncos decide to make Rumfelt the starter, or even a platoon starter, they may be in the market for another reserve infielder. Somebody like Palacios might be very attractive in that role, if he is unable to land a starting gig anywhere.

Next up: Third-baseman and Shortstops