Placido Polanco?

Today the Marlins found their 2013 third baseman in Placido Polanco, who signed a one-year deal worth a reported $2.75 million. He joins a murderers' row of SS Adeiny Hechavarria, 2B Donovan Solano, and newly-moved 1B Logan Morrison to fill out the team's infield next season.

I know, you're thinking one of two things right now:

1. Him?
2. $2.75 million?

Here's the deal with Polanco, who posted a Triple-A quality .303 OBP last season. He is by far the best option among the remaining free-agent third basemen (the Marlins were reportedly also looking at Brandon Inge and Miguel Tejada, both of whom haven't been effective everyday players in years). And while $2.75 million seems like a lot for a dude with back problems who is also past his prime, remember that Plan A was paying $5 million for Yunel Escobar, so this qualifies as a discount (of sorts) for the Marlins. The team's Opening Day payroll could be less than $30 million if they find a taker for Ricky Nolasco; that's why they are okay with paying that much money for Polanco.

Polanco is a stopgap solution on a one-year deal heading into a rebuilding season. It is highly conceivable that he could be dealt midseason for another prospect if the Marlins find a buyer for him (and they most certainly will be dangling Polanco as soon as tomorrow). All in all, it is a good deal for the team, buying them time to find a better long-term solution at third base, either in the farm system or through a later deal.