Freddy Sanchez: Intriguing Acquisition For Seattle Mariners, Betancourt Traded

It is no secret that the Pittsburgh Pirates have been looking to unload their lone All-Star, 2B Freddy Sanchez. The 31 year old is one of the few bright spots on a franchise which has not had a winning season in 17 seasons. The Twins, Giants and now the Seattle Mariners have all been rumored to be zeroing on the three time All star. 

It was no coincidence that on the same night that Betancourt was pulled from the lineup that top Pirates scout Marc Delpiano was present at Safeco Field. The two events are connected and it means trade talks revolving around Sanchez, and SS Jack Wilson are occurring. But, as the news broke today, that trade will not include Betancourt

Luckily for Seattle fans, the Mariners have finally rid themselves of Betancourt, trading him to the Kansas City Royals for minor league pichers Danny Cortes, and Derrick Saito. Cortes was their 2008 minor league pitcher of the year, and Saito is their 9th rated prospect.

All I have to say is, way to go Zdurencik, you are truly the anti Bavasi, way to rip the other team off!!!!!

As far as the Royals go most people are puzzled with stupidity over the move, which is just fine with me, time for the tables to turn.

Back to Sanchez.

This is the type of deal Seattle needs to make if they are seeking to push towards contention this season. Sanchez is a .316 hitter that the Mariners need to set up a guy like 1B Russell Branyan to actually be able to drive more then himself in when he goes yard. 

Pittsburgh is also said to be taking a good look at OF's Wlademeir Balentien and Greg Halman. Balentien has also been a dissapointment to Mariners fans, he has never really hit his stride in the MLB and fans were drooling with his oozing power potential. Now it is more of an "I will believe it when I see it" type thing, and so far we only see some brief flashes. 

If the Mariners could come away with an All-Star 2B for Balentien, and a AA prospect or two, Seattle would need to hail Jack Zdurencik as it's savior. Everything he touches turns into pure gold and netting an All Star 2B for a dissapointment, and a raw player would be astounding, and it seems like it could happen to. 

Jack Wilson would be a good fallback option if things get pricey in terms of players, but there is no doubt in my mind of the two that Sanchez is the M's primary target. 

The caliber difference is obvious, but do not kid yourself, Pittsburgh has stunk it up for a long time, but trading Sanchez isn't about performance more then about payroll. They are not being completely incompetent, they have an objective. The Mariners will likely have to take on most of the salary for whoever they are trading for, and the "trade off" is getting a better player.

Sanchez is the type of player im sure Seattle can afford to spend a couple million to go out and grab if they can give Richie Sexson $12.5 million a season. 

Im sure Sanchez would welcome a trade to Seattle, they are a contender despite the fact they are rebuilding. If everything goes well Seattle might be able to get him to stay around beyond 2010 when his contract expires.

Imagine whats going to happen when Zdurencik has a nice chunk of funny money to throw at next seasons free agent class, cannot wait. With that pitching staff adding a couple 2-3 guys who can hit for average, power, or both, they could be geared towards perennial playoff contender in a matter of two years removed from a 61-101 disaster. 

Mariners, go out and get an All-Star and cement that can replace Betancourt for good and make him a well needed afterthought

A great swap it would be indeed.