Is Garrett Atkins a viable option at 3B?

Written by Mike Mariano | 01 December 2009

While chatting with the bartender last night, I asked who he wants to see brought in this offseason -- his response was Garrett Atkins.  Garrett Atkins should be a player that Phillies fans are at least vaguely familiar with because of our recent playoff battles with the Rockies.  Then again, Garrett Atkins hasn't only hit a collective .231 in the '07 NLDS & '09 NLDS combined.  Also, Garrett Atkins sucked last season.  I don't like to generalize a season with such a short, crude word, but in Atkins' case it holds true.  Atkins hit .226 with only 9 homers and 48 RBIs.  His OPS+ was 66 -- the league average is 100.  Yeah, Garrett had a rough go of it and was eventually replaced by Ian Stewart full time down the stretch into the playoffs.  So for those keeping track at home, this is the second day in a row that we're talking about potentially bringing in a guy with a poor or nonexistent 2009 campaign.  The main positive for Atkins is his price tag which has to be low, low, low at this point, but what else does he bring to the table?

In 2005, Atkins came on the scene and put together a solid season, finishing fourth in the rookie of the year voting.  2006 was Atkins' official breakout season (.329 with 29/120) and he appeared to be on of the better hitting third basemen around.  Since then, Atkins' production has consistently slide downward little by little ('07 was great, but '08 was more average) until he fell off completely in 2009.  Atkins hit 60 points and about 10 homers less than most projections had for him.  Hence the "buy low" tag he currently has.

Defensively, he's just okay.  I can't speak from any in depth studying or knowledge of his abilities, but statistically his defensive numbers (range factor & ultimate zone rating) are merely average.  He can play both corner infield spots and as an emergency second basement.

I can imagine you're not exactly on the Atkins train right now and that's understandable but let's finish up looking at exactly why he's a great option:

1. Buy low.  His price tag should be sufficiently low enough to make betting on his return worthwhile.
2. Role play.  I can't imagine he'll want to be a platooner or back-up guy, but if the Phillies can bring in a DeRosa or Polanco as well, the team can hedge its bets that one will come through.
3. Versatility. If he's brought in with a DeRosa, the combination of the two prepares you for a lot of inevitable injuries around the field.
4. Lineup.  He's right handed and this team always needs right handed bats (in the lineup and off the bench.
5. Experience. The playoff and the World Series kind.
6. Age. Still only 30.