Let's face it New York Yankee fans, there is probably no other solution for the Alex Rodriguez situation than to sign one of the mediocre third basemen in the market.
Eduardo Nunez will more than likely take the shortstop duties for Derek Jeter until he gets back as he continues to recuperate from ankle injury.
Third base is wide open as the Yankees currently don't possess a third baseman in their roster.
Here are some of the cheaper options that still produce at the major league level.
Let's begin with Mark DeRosa.
Yeah, let's be honest, he can't hit much and is an injury risk, but he can still field.
In 2012, DeRosa only committed one error while with the Washington Nationals and he played in every position except pitcher and catcher, only committing one error in over 250 innings of action.
More importantly DeRosa is cheap. Last season he made $900,000 and that would help the Yankees greatly as they are finally looking to control their spending.
Next on the list is Eric Chavez.
If you need a third basemen, why not resign Chavez?
The Yankees signed him to a $900,000 deal last season and trusted his health despite being notorious for having back issues, which completely crumbled his career.
Chavez hit .281, 13 homers and 37 RBI. His on-base percentage was .348 and his OPS .845.
Not bad for an old man with back issues right?
Chavez is familiar with the organization and, as the numbers show above, he performed well in 2012.
The other likely option that the Yankees could go for because he provides pop is Brandon Inge.
Wait, before I continue explaining why Inge isn't a bad option, remember when Inge entered the Home Run Derby in 2009? That must have been embarassing for the guy.
Anyways, Inge hit 12 homers, drove in 54 while hitting .218 as he spent most of his time with the Oakland Athletics this season.
Inge banked $5 million this season, but we all know he is not worth that much money anymore. Give him $1 million max and possibly throw in some incentives into the deal.
Jeff Keppinger is the best hitter from those available. He batted .325 while playing in 115 games in 2012.
More importantly, he has never made more than $2.3 million in his career.
For the Yankees, trading is not an option right now. I was big on getting rid of Curtis Granderson for a catcher, but now the Yankees need to his power in the lineup.
Here are the other remaining third basemen free agents.
Miguel Cairo
Alberto Gonzalez
Orlando Hudson
Adam Kennedy
Jose Lopez
Casey McGehee
Placido Polanco
Scott Rolen
Drew Sutton
Steve Tolleson
Ty Wigginton
Kevin Youkilis
