Brewers Rumors: Derrek Lee, Lars Anderson and Mark Reynolds

With first baseman Mat Gamel out for the season, the Milwaukee Brewers are monitoring the market for players such as free agent Derrek Lee, Boston Red Sox first baseman Lars Anderson and Baltimore Orioles third baseman Mark Reynolds.  The Brewers don’t have many in-house options for first base and, according to Nick Carfado of the Boston Globe, Milwaukee could turn to the free agent and trade market for help.

Entering the year, Mat Gamel finally got his shot with the Brewers.  A former top prospect, Gamel received the nod as Milwaukee’s regular first baseman after All-Star Prince Fielder left via free agency.

Unfortunately for Gamel, his tenure as the Brewers starting first baseman only lasted for 21 games.  A torn ACL has sidelined Gamel for the remainder of the 2012 season and has left the Brewers without a clear-cut option at first base.

Carfado noted that Milwaukee is “toying with the idea” of moving outfielder Corey Hart to first base.  If they are not satisfied with that potential solution, the Brewers could turn their attention to free agency and the trade market.

Veteran first baseman Derrek Lee remains unsigned, and Carfado said “he is definitely on the Brewers radar”.  Lee did turn in a respectable 2011 with the Pirates and Orioles as a 35-year-old, hitting at a clip of .267/.325/.446 with 19 home runs.

Milwaukee could also look to a pair of American League East players as trade options; Lars Anderson and Mark Reynolds.

Anderson has been a prospect in the Red Sox system seemingly forever.  With Adrian Gonzalez’s long-term contract in place, Anderson’s path to first base is currently blocked in Boston.  While the Red Sox have used Anderson in left field this season, they could look to trade the 24-year-old for much-needed pitching.

Over his six seasons in the minors, Anderson has a career line of .276/.371/.438.  Last season Anderson posted an OPS of .791 with 14 home runs and 31 doubles for the Red Sox Triple-A affiliate.

Milwaukee could also look to Baltimore, who’s said to be interested in trading Mark Reynolds.  Though currently listed as a third baseman, many think Reynold’s sketchy defense is a reason to switch the slugger to first.

The strike out machine has only managed an OPS of .693 so far this season, but Reynolds has gone on a tear of late.  Over his last three games, Reynolds is 6-11 with two home runs, three doubles, six RBIs and five walks.

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