by Jon Paul Morosi

DeRosa's Indians are last in the American League Central. A number of teams would benefit from the addition of a player like DeRosa: the Cubs, Mets, Brewers and perhaps the Cardinals.

But DeRosa isn't necessarily the class of the right-handed-hitting, play-him-almost-anywhere guys. That title could belong to Pittsburgh's Freddy Sanchez.

The Pirates are likely to make Sanchez available before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, multiple industry officials said Wednesday. In fact, it would be a mild surprise if Pittsburgh let the deadline pass without dealing at least one potential free agent.

Along with Sanchez, they can shop shortstop Jack Wilson, first baseman Adam LaRoche, outfielder Craig Monroe, left-hander John Grabow and infielder/outfielder Eric Hinske. Ramon Vazquez, a utility player signed through 2010, may also be moved.

DeRosa, 34, has two advantages over Sanchez, 31. He's cheaper ($5.5 million this year, compared to $6.1 million) and has experience in the outfield. DeRosa has had time at first base, third base, left field and right field this year and was an everyday second baseman for most of 2008; Sanchez has played second exclusively this season but has prior experience at third and shortstop in the big leagues.

DeRosa has appeared in the playoffs five times and batted .350 in 19 postseason games. Outside of brief call-ups with the Red Sox in 2002 and 2003, Sanchez has never played for a winning team in the majors.

If a contender's need is strictly on the infield — as is the case for the Cubs and Brewers — then Sanchez might be the better option, as long as the $600,000 salary difference isn't a problem.

Sanchez has a higher batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage than DeRosa. He's only three years removed from a National League batting title and had a six-hit game at Wrigley Field earlier this week. (Wonder what Cubs officials were thinking that night?)

One more factor to consider: Sanchez's contract includes an $8 million option for next year that vests after 635 plate appearances or 600 plate appearances plus an All-Star appearance. (He is on pace to attain that easily.) If the club declines its option, he'll receive a $600,000 buyout.