Who Replaces Alex Rodriguez If He Gets Traded?

If the Yankees decide to trade Alex Rodriguez this offseason, and let us assume that he does not net us a replacement 3B in the deal, then who should we look at to potentially fill his spot in the lineup, in the field, and in the clubhouse? Well the most obvious choice is to look via free agency so here is the list of available free agent 3B in the 2013 class via MLBTraderumors.com:

Third basemen
Miguel Cairo (39)
Eric Chavez (35)
Mark DeRosa (38)
Alberto Gonzalez (30)
Brandon Inge (36)
Maicer Izturis (32)
Jose Lopez (29)
Placido Polanco (37) - $5.5MM mutual option with a $1MM buyout
Scott Rolen (38)
Drew Sutton (30)
Ty Wigginton (35) - $4MM club option with a $500K buyout
David Wright (30) - $16MM club option with a $1MM buyout
Kevin Youkilis (34) - $13MM club option with a $1MM buyout

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, not likely on David Wright, and no! We're not replacing Alex via free agency unless we get that right handed middle of the order impact bat back in the trade.

Also to note that the Diamondbacks traded Chris Young to the Oakland Athletics so it is even more unlikely now that the D Backs would be willing to trade Justin Upton. As much as I would want him on the team because he is the right handed power presence that Alex used to be but he is also a perfect replacement for Nick Swisher in RF. I guess I have to personally get that pipe dream out of my mind now and move on. I cannot see anyone else, well anyone that I would want anyway *cough* Vernon Wells *cough*, that we could feasibly trade for unless it was in a separate deal not involving Alex. Maybe the Oakland A's would want to part with one of their 19 outfielders for a premium, who knows. The Marlins seem to be out of it after dumping even more salary in Heath Bell but, who knows maybe the deal was made TO make room for Alex, I will not hold my breathe.

The most notable and interesting player that we could feasibly replace Alex with would surprisingly come from within. David Adams was moved from 2B to 3B not only to make room for Corban Joseph but, in my opinion anyway, to replace Alex Rodriguez at the position eventually. Well eventually may come in 2013 after a huge bounce back season in 2012 and a strong debut in the Arizona Fall League to date. His health seems ready, his bat is ready, and he is ready defensively. If the spot comes open I think we will see David Adams as the starting 3B on Opening Day for the Yankees, barring any miracle trade.