Seattle Mariners: 10 Possible Moves To Challenge For a Cliff Lee-Less AL West
Last years regular season began with high hopes and great expectations for the Seattle Mariners. They had had a very busy offseason as they acquired such players as Cliff Lee, Milton Bradley, and Casey Kotchman.
Unfortunately, the team fell way short of expectations and ended up with the worst record in the American League. They were dead last in hitting in the major leagues and hit the fewest home runs in all of baseball as well.
The season was chaotic and treacherous as their new players were busts (except for Lee) and the clubhouse morale was bad. Don Wakamatsu got the guillotine and the Mariners finished at a god awful 61-101 mark.
Once again, the AL West looks weak and if Seattle makes the right moves they can maybe compete once again. The right moves you may ask? Are the ones I am about to suggest.
Rid Themselves Of Milton Bradley
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Milton Bradley is a clubhouse cancer.
One that the Seattle Mariners need to rid themselves of. Seattle has absolutely no use for a player like Bradley. Especially when you are trying to develop young players like Micheal Saunders.
The outfield has become very crowded with Suzuki, Gutierrez, and now the emergence of Saunders.
Bradley is always injured and has some serious behavioral issues. Not to mention his massive contract and lack of respect.
Seattle will not be able to trade Milton, nobody will ever take him and his contract. So, even if it costs them, the right move would be to release him.
Dropping Bradley would be the first step towards having a good team.
Grab Adam LaRoche
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Seattle as I said in the introduction slide, has some serious problems in terms of hitting.
Like I said, dead last in almost every category, including the home run.
The answer to some of these hitting woes may be Adam LaRoche. Last season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, LaRoche had 25 home runs, 100 RBI, hit an OK .261, and scored 75 runs. Not bad numbers.
LaRoche is probably going to require some serious money considering he and Derrek Lee are the only good first basemen still left on the market. It would be a gamble though, considering Adam hasn't always had seasons like the one last year. It is a risk, but one I would take.
Snatch J.P. Howell
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Like most unsuccessful teams, the Seattle Mariners have tremendously bad pitching with the exception of perennial CY Young contender Felix Hernandez.
One thing that really hurts the Mariners is their bullpen which is in dire need of help. David Aardsma, and Brandon League aren't going to cut it if the Mariners want to win games.
One thing the Mariners really need is a late inning left handed reliever. I believe they should be trying to sign J.P. Howell. Howell is still very young (27) and is coming off a very serious injury, one that should be fully and completely healed by spring training.
Because of the injury concern, Howell won't need too much money making him relatively affordable and a safe gamble (haha). If he stays healthy, Howell can provide great late inning relief with the occasional save.
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No Howell, No Problem. Take Joe Beimel
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Joe Beimel was an excellent addition to the Colorado Rockies last year as they made a post season push.
Beimel posted a 3.40 ERA, had a mediocre K/BB ratio, and was overall pretty good last year. Beimel is getting older (34) and injuries are always a bit of a concern but, it is hard to find good lefty relief.
Beimel probably wouldn't close games but could certainly be a good option out of the bullpen in the 6th or 7th innings. Pursuing Joe wouldn't be a bad idea.
Open The Vaults For Rafael Soriano
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Rafael Soriano is the best reliever on the market, to that there is no doubt.
Last year with the Rays, Soriano posted an eye-popping 1.73 ERA, had 57 K's, and had a league high 45 saves. Soriano is a power pitcher with a lot of heart and a lot of talent.
With the Angels now out of the equation for Soriano as they have picked up Scott Downs, the Mariners have a good chance for him. Soriano is going to cost quite a bit and the Mariners would have to commit to maybe a few more years than they may be comfortable with.
The signing of Rafael would mean a solid back end of the bullpen and would allow David Aardsma to slide into the setup role where he could thrive.
Empty The Farm For Fielder?
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This is a massive long shot and I know it. The odds of a deal being consummated between the Seattle Mariners and the Milwaukee Brewers for Prince Fielder are .000001%.
But, it is an interesting idea nonetheless. If the Mariners are serious about competing this year, now is the time to make this kind of move.
When I say empty the farm system, maybe it is a bit extreme.
I believe a package of: Justin Smoak, Micheal Saunders, Doug Fister, and 2 minor league prospects would do the job. But of course, Seattle may not be keen on that one. I think Seattle has the means and the motivation to acquire Fielder and I am 100% for it.
Do I Hear a DH? Vladimir Guerrero Anyone?
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I have made it clear that relievers and power hitters should be near the top of the Seattle Mariners list this off season.
The truth is, Seattle doesn't have a true designated hitter. There are very few players left in the DH pool, one that is filled with older players unable to play the field but with a lot of pop.
Vladimir Guerrero had a fantastic season last year with the Texas Rangers and was one of the better hitters in the major leagues. The only knock was the injuries that crept up on him as the season progressed.
Vlad would be good for Seattle as he would provide solid leadership and a great personality to a relatively dead Seattle clubhouse. He brings power, enthusiasm, laughs, and a lot of production. Of course, age and health are big in considering Vlad but, I believe he is worth it.
Take A Shot Of Zaun
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Gregg Zaun is on the market and is willing and able to help a team. Many of my readers probably have no idea who on earth Zaun is. Well, Zaun is 40 years old and is one of the most respected players and people in baseball.
A longtime Blue Jay, Zaun has always been known for his excellent defense and sensational leadership. Even with the addition of Olivo, the Mariners need a good backup and Zaun is the man for the job.
Zaun won't cost a lot and even with health concerns wouldn't be a big gamble. Zaun would be a very valuable asset to Seattle.
Millwood For Cheap
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Kevin Millwood is an absolute workhorse and always has been.
Millwood has never been the ace of the staff but he has always been consistent and always seems to be healthy.
Millwood spent last year with the lowly Baltimore Orioles and had a bit of an off year. Kevin would be a nice little addition to what is a relatively young Mariners rotation. Leadership and durability is hard to find but, Kevin is just that,
Probably wouldn't cost much and Millwood probably wouldn't mind going back to the AL West where he made a nice living for a long time.
Avoid Making Silly Moves
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In this case, they wouldn't actually be making a move but instead be making sure they don't make a stupid move.
When I say silly/stupid moves I am referencing things like signing a player like Manny Ramirez or acquiring any other type of clubhouse cancer like they did when they traded for Bradley.
Another thing they need to do is avoid overpaying for players. Not giving out contracts for players like Joaquin Benoit who haven't proven themselves and are worth a ton.
Basically, just don't be stupid and do the homework as to not make any mistakes.
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