Can the Seattle Mariners Both Compete and Rebuild In 2009?

In the sports world, most teams involved in trade talks have to make the same decision: Either make a trade for accomplished veterans to compete immediately, or make a trade for prospects to build for the future.

The two teams involved are usually trying to accomplish opposite goals. One team is playing for immediate contention while the other is playing for the future.

The goal of the first scenario is to compete in the short term (e.g. a Division Championship and/or playoff berth), while the goal of the second scenario is to compete in the long term (e.g. build depth through the farm system with high-potential prospects).

An example of a trade which has both scenarios involved is the recent Pittsburgh-Atlanta trade for OF Nate McLouth.

On June 3, 2009, the Pittsburgh Pirates dealt the emerging star to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for three prospects.

The 2008 Pittsburgh Pirates traded All Star OF Jason Bay in a similar move for prospects, and the 2009 squad found themselves in a similar situation—slipping out of playoff contention while holding on to top-tier trade bait.

In making this trade, the Pirates are making a trade for prospects to build for the future.

The Braves, however, have opposite goals than the Pirates.

The 2009 Atlanta Braves believe that they can win immediately. With 3B Chipper Jones (currently) healthy, C Brian McCann back at full strength, and phenom SP Tommy Hanson on the Major League roster, the Braves stand four games out of first place in the NL East and look to compete this year.

Rookie OF Jordan Schafer was disappointing in 2009, batting .204 with 63 strikeouts in two months of play. As Schafer failed to progress this season, the Braves shopped for a top-tier outfielder to replace him.

The Pirates and the Braves were able to make a deal that helped both achieve their 2009 goals. The Pirates acquired prospects to build for the future while the Braves acquired established talent to help them win in 2009.

So, how does this relate to the Seattle Mariners?

I believe that the 2009 Seattle Mariners are an exception to this situation.

I believe that with the right roster moves, the 2009 Seattle Mariners could compete immediately and build for the future at the same time.

Let me explain why.

As of right now, the Seattle Mariners starting lineup features a number of young potential stars.

Here is a list of the Seattle Mariners' ideal starting lineup in 2009:

C—Kenji Johjima—33-years-old (Due Off the DL Next Week)
1B—Russell Branyan—33-years-old
2B—Jose Lopez—25-years-old (Due Back From Bereavement)
3B—Adrian Beltre—30-years-old
SS—Yuniesky Betancourt—25-years-old
OF—Ichiro Suzuki—35-years-old
OF—Franklin Gutierrez—26-years-old
OF—Wladimir Balentien—24-years-old
DH—Ken Griffey Jr.—39-years-old

It is typical in rebuilding to allow younger players more playing time instead of aging veterans.

The Mariners have several players who are advancing in their careers, but to deny all of these players playing time is illogical, as the Mariners 2009 success has been built upon the influences of older players such, as Russell Branyan, Ichiro Suzuki, and Ken Griffey Jr.

However, with a few roster adjustments, the Mariners could give a corps of younger players significant playing time while maintaining their current winning formula.

Here are the roster adjustments that could allow the Mariners to build for the future while competing in 2009.

Promote C Jeff Clement from Triple-A Tacoma and Make him the Starting Catcher

Yes, Jeff Clement is allegedly the Mariners' “Catcher of the Future.”

Unfortunately for Clement, he has had this label for approximately three years. Clement is in the awkward space between Triple-A and the Major Leagues. He has raked Triple-A pitching in his time spent there, but has struggled mightily with the transition to the Major Leagues.

The main objection to Clement’s promotion is his potential lack of production at the Major League level. This worry is alleviated, however, when one considers that the Mariners have received little to no production from the catcher all year.

The combination of Kenji Johjima, Rob Johnson, and Jamie Burke have batted .205 so far in 2009 with three HR, 17 R, and 21 RBI.

Promoting Jeff Clement will build for the future by quickening his development as a Major League catcher and could also help the Mariners compete in 2009.

Give OF Wladimir Balentien the Majority of the Starts in Left Field

There have been considerable grumblings that the Seattle Mariners need to make a trade for outfield depth in light of Endy Chavez’s season-ending injury. While losing Endy Chavez hurts the Mariners depth, it could help the Mariners in the long run.

Wladimir Balentien is a former top-prospect with significant power potential and vast room for growth.

His defensive skills might be inferior to Chavez, but, if he is given full endorsement as the starter, his experience in left field might improve his defense (doubters please see the game-ending catch in Felix Hernandez’s shutout last week).

His hitting skills, especially in terms of power, are significantly better than Endy Chavez. Balentien only has two home runs on the year, but he has already cracked one since becoming a starter.  And, given regular at-bats, his productivity at the plate could increase significantly.

The Mariners do not need to make a trade for outfield depth. DH Ken Griffey Jr. is serviceable enough to spell any outfielder in need of rest, while allowing the trio of Ichiro Suzuki, Franklin Gutierrez, and Wladimir Balentien to play everyday could lead to an improved Seattle Mariners' roster.

Giving Wladimir Balentien the everyday nod will build for the future by maturing a former top-prospect, and could potentially improve the Mariners' offense if Balentien emerges as a power hitter.

Keep RHP Brandon Morrow in the Starting Rotation (For Good This Time!)

SP/RP Brandon Morrow can easily claim the title of, “Most Mismanaged Player in Major League Baseball.”

Morrow began his career as a setup man in 2007, accruing 18 holds throughout the year. He continued as a reliever in 2008 until the Mariners made the decision to move him to the starting rotation late in the season.

Morrow spent August 2008 in the minor leagues, stretching out his arm then returned to start five games in September. His potential as a starter was shown in his first start of 2008, as he finished with 7.2 IP, 1 ER, and 8 K.

In 2009, the Mariners decided to send Morrow back to the bullpen as the team’s closer. After a torrid start to the season, Morrow spent time on the disabled list and was relegated to middle relief.

Now the Mariners are trying to stretch Morrow back into a starter, and hopefully it will stick this time.

Putting Brandon Morrow into the rotation will build for the future as the 24-year-old has All Star caliber talent. Additionally, placing him in the rotation could help the Mariners win immediately if he puts up similar numbers to his five starts in 2008.

These are just three roster moves which could promote both youth and production in the 2009 Seattle Mariners' season.

While the Mariners might not be a World Series-caliber team right now, consider these young players who could/should receive significant playing time in 2009:

SP Felix Hernandez—23-Years-Old—No. 1 Starting Pitcher
SP Brandon Morrow—24-Years-Old—No. 5 Starting Pitcher
SP Ryan Rowland-Smith—26-Years-Old—Potential Starting Pitcher
SP Jason Vargas—26-Years-Old—No. 4 Starting Pitcher
C/1B Jeff Clement—25-Years-Old—Starting Catcher
2B Jose Lopez—25-Years-Old—Starting Second Baseman
SS Yuniesky Betancourt—27-Years-Old—Starting Shortstop
OF Wladimir Balentien—24-Years-Old—Starting Left Fielder
OF Franklin Gutierrez—26-Years-Old—Starting Center Fielder

There are also several potential trades which could further the Mariners in either direction. The Mariners could trade established SP Jarrod Washburn for more prospects or trade some of their excess prospects for established talent.

The Mariners' quality of play before the trade deadline will dictate their trade goals, but, if they play their cards right, they could both rebuild and compete in 2009 with their current roster.

Comment with what you agree and disagree on.

sk.