Report: Mark DeRosa on Trading Block

Earlier Wednesday in the power rankings I speculated -- off the cuff -- that Cleveland would start trading veterans. Well, it appears they will, because Jon Heyman of SI.com is reporting the Indians have officially placed Mark DeRosa on the proverbial trading block.

The versatile DeRosa can play adequate defense anywhere on the diamond except shortstop, center field and the battery, which could make him an attractive trade piece for teams with a variety of different needs. One in particular everyone is hearing is the New York Mets.

Heyman mentions them, but says they'd rather have Nick Johnson or Aubrey Huff. Moving Johnson within the division probably wouldn't bother Washington, considering they are pretty much already out of the race and could move Adam Dunn to first. FanHouse has also confirmed that the Mets don't believe they can get by for 10 weeks with only internal options, so DeRosa would seem to be a fit.

Just from a pure speculation standpoint, some other teams would make sense. The Cubs could use some help with Aramis Ramirez on the shelf and Mike Fontenot having such a rough go as an everyday player. The problem, though, is they can't add the payroll until the sale of the team becomes final. The Cardinals could use DeRosa as an upgrade at either second or third. Brett Wallace (top third base prospect) won't be ready this season, and they are surviving the loss of Troy Glaus with Brian Barden and Joe Thurston at third. Meanwhile, they are using Brendan Ryan, Thurston and Skip Schumaker at second, and using Ryan to cover short for an ailing Khalil Greene. Obviously, DeRosa could help solidify this mess. The Brewers recently lost Rickie Weeks for the season, and DeRosa could step right in at second. The Reds might be looking for an offensive upgrade at third of left field. The Phillies had pursued DeRosa a bit in the offseason, but it doesn't appear they have room for him to start at this point. Perhaps he could help bolster the Braves anemic offense? The Giants could probably find plenty of at-bats for him.

The 33-year-old DeRosa is coming off a career year. He's making $5.5 million this season and will become a free agent when the campaign concludes. While he's hitting for power (6 home runs, 25 RBI), his on-base percentage hasn't been this low (.312) since he was with the Braves in 2004. DeRosa was traded by the Cubs in the offseason to the Indians for minor league pitchers Jeff Stevens, Chris Archer and John Caub.