Wrist surgery may impact Mark DeRosa's value?

Cardinals third baseman Mark DeRosa is scheduled to have offseason wrist surgery, FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal said in his latest Full Count.

DeRosa has plenty of value being a versatile infielder and above average hitter, not to mention being a leader in the clubhouse and a fan favorite for nearly every team he plays for. However, coming back from wrist surgery can be tricky, as noted in the case of Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee.

Lee, a year after hitting 46 home runs, broke his wrist in 2006 and missed all but 50 games of the season. When he returned in 2007, he hit just 22 home runs followed by a 20 home run season in 2008. It is not till this season that he looks back in form.

Lee wouldn't fully admit to the wrist injury hampering his power for two seasons, but manager Lou Piniella believes that it was a factor.

'Looking back, I would have to say, yes, it had an effect on him, especially power-wise,'' manager Lou Piniella said. ''The hands, the wrist area, are vital to hitting a baseball.''

DeRosa has logged back to back 20 home run seasons, hitting his career high 21st home run last month. The Cardinals have spoken with DeRosa about a contract, but nothing is serious just yet.

The Twins could pursue DeRosa for third base, replacing the oft-injured Joe Crede, who is set to be a free agent anyway. If the Braves were to move Chipper Jones to first base, they could look into bringing back the Georigia-native.