Two years before, we needed a third baseman.

The short answer is that their general manager needed a young third baseman, and Teahen was the most likely candidate.

Delgado, too, is a free agent whom the Mets have tried to sign because they need a first baseman.

The Orioles, on the other hand, needed a starting third baseman and a power hitter.

So six weeks from the start of spring training, Randolph waits to hear from someone needing a second baseman.

The Dodgers needed a first baseman and a hitter for the middle of their lineup.

The Mets need a second baseman, an outfielder, a starting pitcher and a closer.

Last season, they needed a third baseman and decided, much to his displeasure, that he was it.

You need a regular second baseman and a regular shortstop.

"I know they need a third baseman," Snyder said of the Dodgers yesterday.