Thursday, July 8, 2010

Philadelphia Phillies: Four Desperate Measures for Desperate Times- Part 3

May 11, 2010: Garrett Atkins for the Baltimore Orioles at bat during a game against the visiting Seattle Mariners at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland. The Mariners beat the Orioles 5 - 1.

Part 3 of 5


2. Sign Garrett Atkins

The Baltimore Orioles recently released Garrett Atkins to make room for a young prospect. The Phillies should seize the opportunity to sign him with Utley and Polanco both on the DL. 

A couple seasons ago, Atkins was a rising star for the Colorado Rockies. Although he has slumped over the past two seasons, he is worth the risk for a couple reasons. 

Atkins would instantly provide better defense, and worst case equal offense, as the badly slumping Gregg Dobbs. Additionally, by filling this hole with a free agent, the team can preserve its sparse bargaining chips for other needs.  

It's worth mentioning that Atkins was Utley's college roommate, so perhaps his influence might assist in a turnaround. If the former Rockies third baseman could rediscover his swing, he could do some damage at the Bank and replace Utley's left-handed presence.  

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