Justin Ruggiano Traded to Mariners: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

Needing to add more punch to their offense, even with their additions this offseason, the Seattle Mariners have reportedly acquired outfielder Justin Ruggiano from the Chicago Cubs.    

According to Bleacher Report's Scott Miller, the Mariners announced they acquired Ruggiano in exchange for minor league pitcher Matt Brazis:

ESPN's Jerry Crasnick tweeted on Tuesday that Seattle was close to acquiring a bat, then somewhat jokingly apologized to Mariners fans on Wednesday because it wasn't the name they wanted to see:

Even though Ruggiano isn't the name Seattle fans were anxious to hear, he does serve a specific purpose for the team. The 32-year-old is coming off one of his most productive seasons in 2014, posting a .281/.337/.429 slash line with 20 extra-base hits in 224 at-bats. 

Just as important as Ruggiano's production last year is his ability to hit left-handed pitching. He sports an .836 career OPS against southpaws, per Baseball-Reference.com. He can play a platoon role in the outfield with Dustin Ackley as the left-handed half of the left-field equation in 2015, or he can move to right field since Michael Saunders was traded to Toronto. 

Regardless of what the team ultimately decides his role is, Ruggiano's presence gives the Mariners options to play with in their outfield next season.