NASHVILLE, Tenn. —The first steps the Yankees should take to replace Alex Rodriguez are to sign Eric Chavez and Jeff Keppinger to platoon at third, and A.J. Pierzynski to catch.
Even Joe Girardi acknowledged Tuesday the Yankees just cannot put a stopgap at third. Rodriguez, 37, is facing a second significant hip surgery. The hope is a June return, but the Yankees must plan for the worst-case scenario: Rodriguez playing little or, possibly, not at all in 2013.
A Chavez/Keppinger platoon would offer a better-than-competent season-long solution if necessary and wonderful bench elements if A-Rod really does return near midseason.
Chavez had a .908 OPS vs. righties last year and Keppinger a .923 OPS vs. lefties. For his career, Keppinger has a .333 average/.864 OPS against southpaws. He performed well in the AL East last year for Tampa Bay. He has the versatility to play all four infield positions, but is a particularly adept third baseman. Chavez is not the Gold Glover of his prime, but is still good. Defense at the position should not be dismissed since the Yankees have two lefties, CC Sabathia and, especially, Andy Pettitte in the rotation.
The Yankees began engaging Chavez Monday night about a return. They also were serious contenders among six teams vying for Keppinger, who wants in the two-year, $10 million range that lefty-mashing outfielder Jonny Gomes received from the Red Sox. Keppinnger has received a pair of two-year offers from the Diamondbacks and Rays, both in the $6-7 million range.
While the Yankees are penny-pinching to get under the $189 million luxury tax threshold in 2014, they have indicated to the Keppinger camp a willingness to do a two-year deal. I suspect the Yankees have budgeted about $8-$10 million to spend this offseason on 2014 and decided not to use all of it on the second year of a two-year deal with Russell Martin and rather to try for two players such as Keppinger and Scott Hairston. There was a growing likelihood Keppinger will sign somewhere during these Winter Meetings.
Pierzynski also has let the White Sox know he wants two years, which is why Chicago general manager Rick Hahn indicated he is likely to go with young Tyler Flowers. A White Sox insider confirmed that and also said because Pierzynski yearns for a post-career TV gig he would probably be more open to a one-year pact in New York than anywhere else.
Nevertheless, I got strong indications the Yankees do not plan to pursue Pierzynski. General manager Brian Cashman said yesterday his goals are to solve right field and the left side of the infield, and that the catchers are almost certainly already on the roster.
But the Yankees are kidding themselves to believe there is a starter among Austin Romine, Francisco Cervelli and Chris Stewart. The Yankees could groom Romine at Triple-A or as Pierzynski’s backup to get a better read on whether he will be ready for a full-time role in 2014.
Pierzynski launched 27 homers last year after never hitting more than 19 previously. Maybe it was a walk-year thing. He still would bring lefty pop, which would alleviate some of the lost power from A-Rod, Martin and the departing Nick Swisher. He has an .892 OPS in 30 playoff games and a fearless reputation. He is feisty and not universally beloved even in his own clubhouses, but Pierzynski’s edge would aid a Yankee team that at times seems to be sleepwalking through the regular season.
With their current and future payroll restrictions, the Yankees have to find creative ways to stay big-time contenders in the present without financially investing too much in the future. Pierzynski plus Chavez and Keppinger would be big 2013 helps.
joel.sherman@nypost.com