From the latest Rosenthal :

The Rockies often are criticized by rival executives for asking too much for their players in trades, but they figure to make a move with with utility man Jeff Baker, who is out of minor-league options and drawing interest from the Phillies, Astros and Pirates.

Baker is a 28-year-old right-handed batter (stats here ). He has experience at 1B, 2B, 3B, and corner outfield, but is a below-average defender pretty much everywhere. He does have legitimate power, and would probably be good for a .750-ish OPS as a regular for us, and thus a significant upgrade on either Nyjer or Monroe in LF (or a decent temp in RF if Moss's thumb injury persists). Baker carries a salary of $415k, comes into the year with just over two seasons of ML service time, and is represented by Scott Boras (and as such may not be in the team's long-term plans). Colorado is probably shopping him in order to create a roster spot for Ian Stewart, who had a nice debut in 2007 and has looked good in spring training.

Rosenthal mentions Kyle Kendrick as a possible return for Baker from the Phillies. Given Kendrick's general scrubbiness, you'd tend to think that we could match that offer, if we wanted. The Astros desperately need a 3B with Aaron Boone out of the picture after heart surgery. They have little of value to trade in return, however, so they may not be particularly serious competition for us. Alternately, they may decide to drastically overpay for Baker (Towles? Bogusevic?), out of perceived need, as Drayton McLane reportedly has unrealistic expectations of contention in 2009.

What do you think? Is Baker someone worth picking up? Or should we look for free help on the waiver wire, or hold our collective nose and stick with what we've got?

Update (3/25) : The Pirates had two scouts at Denver's game yesterday, though Baker did not play (Denver Post ).