Who may be the next second baseman for the Blue Jays?

Yesterday we looked at the different options the Blue Jays have when it comes to finding closers. Today, we look at the different options at second base.

After dealing Aaron Hill to the Diamondbacks for Kelly Johnson, many wondered if Aaron Hill would return to the club in 2012 along with fan favourite John McDonald, as GM Alex Anthopoulos didn't close that door at the press conference to announce the trade.  Hill's success in Arizona, hitting .315 in 33 games, helped lead them to the playoffs, and this off season was signed to a 2-year deal for $11 million.

Johnson was a nice attention to the Jays, and from a defensive standpoint, wasn't bad.  Offensively, Johnson hit .270 with 3 home runs in 33 games and was offered arbitration by the club a few weeks back.  He is still an option for the club, but who else is out there.

We examine the free agents at the position and look at the second baseman on each team for trade purposes.

Free agents: Andres Blanco, Orlando Cabrera, Alex Cora, Craig Counsell, Jerry Hairston Jr., Bill Hall, Kelly Johnson, Felipe Lopez, Jose Lopez, Aaron Miles, Nick Punto

Basically, a very weak group this off season.  Jays would only consider Johnson and possibly Cabrera out of this group.

Who's at second?

Orioles: Brian Roberts: salary $10 M, went through another injury filled season, this time with concussion issues.  A gamble if acquired

Red Sox: Dustin Pedroia: salary $8.25 M, Boston would never trade their MVP, maybe if they offered Romero?  Kidding

White Sox: Gordon Beckham: salary, club renew, Beckham has been rumoured to be on the trading block.  Hit .230 with 10 home runs last season in 150 games.

Indians: Jason Kipnis: salary, league minimum: a rookie last year that showed flashes of being a good major league hitter.  Hit 7 homers in 36 games.  Indians would consider a deal for pitching

Tigers: Ramon Santiago: salary $2 M, just signed a new multi year deal and likely not going anywhere.

Royals: Johnny Giavotella: salary, league minimum, hit .247 as a rookie last season and is slated for the position again in 2012.

Angels: Howie Kendrick: salary roughly $5 M after arbitration, could always in the PCL, may be dealt for relief help.

Twins: Alexi Casilla: salary roughly $1 M after arbitration, probably not the route the Jays will take.

Yankees: Robonson Cano: salary $14 M, not going anywhere, that's for sure.

Athletics: Jemile Weeks: salary, club renew, hit .303 with 22 steals and would be a great addition.  Maybe a Andrew Bailey and Weeks swap for Adam Lind and Casey Janssen?

Mariners: Dustin Ackley: salary $2.1 M, their prized prospect will be at second for a while.

Rays: Ben Zobrist: salary $4.6 M, hit 20 home runs and is a major part of the offence, can play almost any position on the diamond.

Rangers: Ian Kinsler: salary $7.2 M, the often injured second baseman may just be the one player they can afford to trade if they want to go after Price Fielder.  His $7 million price tag is what the Jays are willing to spend.

D'Backs: Aaron Hill: salary $5.5 M, won't be coming back after the new deal.

Braves: Dan Uggla: salary $13.1 M, Jays tried to acquire him last off season, but Braves have him locked up for many years to come now.



Cubs: Darwin Barney: salary club renew, hit .276 in 143 games and was most noted for a great catch to end Dan Uggla's 33-game hitting streak.

Reds: Brandon Phillips: salary $12 M, the highest paid Red is looking for an extension, without one soon, he's a prime candidate for a deal.

Rockies: Chris Nelson, club renew, probably not their top choice, and therefore not the Jays either.

Astros: Jose Altuve, salary club renew, hit .359 in July, and .209 in September.

Dodgers: Mark Ellis: salary $4.5 M, Dodgers just signed him to new two year deal.

Marlins: Omar Infante: salary $4 M, just re-signed with the Marlins on a two year deal.  Never know with this team after all the money they have now, may be willing to move.



Brewers: Rickie Weeks: salary $11 M, a player the Jays should consider.  He could bat leadoff and if healthy could hit 30 home runs.  Would cost the Jays prospects...not Lawrie back to Brewers though!

Mets: Daniel Murphy: salary club renew, now this is player the Jays could take a chance on.  Hit .320 in 109 games with 24 walks and only 42 strikeouts.

Phillies: Chase Utley: salary $15.2 M, will remain in Philly

Pirates: Clint Barmes: salary $5 M, just signed new two year contract for $10.5 M with Pittsburgh

Cardinals: Daniel Descalso, salary, club renew, hit .264 in 148 games but only 1 home run.

Padres: Orlando Hudson: salary $5.5 M, a return of the O-Dog is a real possibility.  Injured a lot now though.

Giants: Freddy Sanchez: salary $6 M, can't see the one time Pirates player moving again.

Nationals: Danny Espinosa: salary club renew, came out of nowhere to hit 21 home runs and claimed starting gig at second.  Strikes out a ton though, 166 times in 158 games.

So there you have it, the second baseman of the Blue Jays future is in this post right now.  Just who is it going to be? The Winter Meeting next week will hopefully let us know.