(Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
With Gold Glove 3B Adrian Beltre out for at least six-sight weeks and starting SS Yuniesky Betancourt shipped off (thankfully) to the Royals, it is no secret that the Mariners are seeking starting caliber 3B and SS's through the trade market.
Woodward and Cedeno have been solid filling in at 3B and SS, but they are not the answers if this team is serious about contending. Already the team has been linked to Kevin Kouzmanoff, Melvin Mora, Jack Wilson and most intriguingly, All Star 2B Freddy Sanchez.
But the Denver Post has them linked to another potential long term fixture at 3B in Colorodos' Garrett Atkins.
He has been disappointing so far this year, barely above the Mendoza line with a .227 AVG along with six HR's, and 27 RBI's.
This could be another one of those rags to riches move that Zdurencik has pulled on several occasions nabbing guys like Russell Branyan and David Aardsma, two of the biggest All Star snubs you could find.
Atkins has proven he can hit, before this season he was averaging 22 HR's 105 RBI's while posting a .301 BA. The whole team has been hit by mediocrity, a change in scenery would likely be of benefit to him.
This move is plausible both because of the need at 3B, and Colorodos willingness to shed salary as their motus operandi as opposed to seeking top flight talent.
The Mariners have reliever Miguel Batista and the $4 million remaining on his contract to offset any potential salary issues. The difference would be roughly $1 million against the M's, with the Rockies shedding the rest of Atkins contract while also having Bautista off the books at seasons end. Both teams get what they want out of the deal.
If Batista alone does not cut it, Seattle could probably sweeten the pot with a AA pitching prospect as well, a guy like recent acquisition Derrick Saito, a raw arm with potential upside.
If the Mariners could net Atkins and Sanchez, it would signal a win now mentality, and both would be major pickups with huge upside for success.
Although the parameters of a deal are not being discussed formally, you can throw Atkins name on the Mariners Trade Deadline Hot Stove.
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