The Cubs have had a problem filling third base for most of the seasons after Ron Santo left the club. A series of "can't miss" rookie busts to end-of-career players have played statue on the hot corner. There have been a few notable exceptions, like Bill Madlock and Aramis Ramirez.
Currently, the Cubs have put all their eggs at third in the journeyman Ian Stewart basket. The back up is apparently Jeff Baker, who is also the back up for LaHair at first and Barney at second. (Note: Barney is Castro's back up at short so go figure the Cubs depth chart).
The only alternative is Marquis Smith at AAA Iowa, but apparently he has gotten the dreaded AAAA tag and is not on the 40 man roster or mentioned in any spring training stories.
The Nationals have the opposite problem. The team just signed Ryan Zimmerman to a long term extension. He has been the face of the franchise until the new top draft choices hit their stride this season. However, with the number six pick in last year's draft, the Nats selected Rice 3B Anthony Rendon, who by all accounts, is tearing up the spring. Scouts believe that Rendon, 21, could push his way onto the major league roster by the June. The reason: pure swing offense and good defense.
So, it would appear that Rendon is "blocked" by the long term fixture at third, Zimmerman. So teams in need of a potential long term solution at third (the Cubs), would be calling the Nationals GM to inquire. But the Nats won't take the call because they will work out Rendon at second and shortstop. In other words, they will find a spot for him to play alongside Zimmerman.
If the Stewart trade does not work, the only possible alternative on the radar would be Tigers deposed third baseman Brandon Inge. His career numbers may be slumping, so he would be considered another journeyman stop gap solution.
