Quick Hits: Blake, Hardy, Hudson, Athletics

Quick Hits:

• Dodgers third baseman Casey Blake is a free agent after this season, but is playing so well he deserves a contract extension. However, the Dodgers have DeWitt and Hu in the wings with Furcal's contract up in the air following this season, so they do not have unlimited spending. Not only that, but Blake is thirty-five and prefers to play in front of a smaller venue. They might need to overpay for his services if they want him back.
• While there is speculation that the Brewers will trade Prince Fielder, it would make more sense to trade JJ Hardy. The Brewers would be able to keep the powerful tandem of Fielder and Braun together while bringing up Alcides Escobar, a Double-A prospect, who could be ready to take over full time next season. Several teams could make a play for Hardy this coming off season including the Dodgers, Red Sox, Orioles, Indians, and maybe even Yankees.
• Indians catcher Kelly Shoppach is playing great for the Indians and will likely keep his starting spot for next season. That would mean Victor Martinez needs to move to first. The Indians need a power hitter and could go after someone like Jason Giambi, but would then not have a spot for Shoppach. Going after second baseman Orlando Hudson would give them a productive leadoff hitter, who could be a long term second baseman for the Indians.
• When the Athletics traded Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin to the Cubs for Sean Gallagher, Matt Murton, Eric Patterson, and Josh Donaldson, it looked like a win-win for both clubs. Gallagher pitched great, Murton was hitting, and Harden was winning games for the Cubs. While the success continues for the Cubs, Gallagher is 1-1 in five games and Murton and Patterson are both in Triple-A. It is possible the A's will trade Huston Street for even more prospects in hopes of building a legitimate contender for 2009.

Source: Ken Rosenthal