2 time all-star Hank Blalock finds himself with many others, standing in baseball’s unemployment line with the likes of John Smoltz, Gary Sheffield and many others.  How could a 29-year-old 2 time all star still be unemployed?  A lot of these players who are also unemployed are aging veterans that are hoping for one last go around.  Blalock though is 29 years old and when healthy can hit for power.  Last year for the Rangers,  he hit .234/.277/.459 in 495 plate appearances.  Throughout his career, he has averaged 27 home runs every 162 games played.

Blalock though, has also battled injuries throughout his career too.  In recent years Blalock has had a rib removed due to thoracic outlet syndrome and also had shoulder and wrist surgeries.

Blalock is going to obviously have to take a significant pay cut from the $6.2 million he made last year with the Rangers.  Most likely, he will have to settle for a backup role as his defense is nothing special and all the DH spots are either taken or the other teams want to use the DH as a platoon spot to give their regulars a break. Blalock came up as a third baseman, but played only nine innings there in ‘09.  He logged 567.6 innings at first base, spending the rest of his time as a designated hitter.

As of late, the only team that has shown any interest in him are the Marlins who are more than likely interested in him as a pinch-hit and reserve role.  The Rays flirted with the idea of signing him but already have a Blalock signed for another year in Pat Burrell at $9 million.  I see Blalock eventually signing with a National league team as I think he has more value in a double switch or as a pinch-hit role. He will more than likely have to settle for around $1 million plus incentives.  I believe Blalock will sign within the next two weeks as teams begin to see their roster hopefuls perform at the level they expected or under perform.  I also think teams as of late have looked other places to fill out their rosters  because of the injury problems Blalock has had and the fact that he is a one dimensional player.

Any other teams you see as a fit?