Now That Cliff Lee Is In Seattle, Who Will Be Next?

So this week the Mariners pulled off one of the biggest blockbuster trades in the history of baseball. By landing Cy Young winner Cliff Lee, Seattle has found itself in the American League West Pennant talks once again. GM Jack Zduriencik stated earlier this week that the deal was not the last for Seattle and he is looking to improve the team in any way he can. So the biggest question is who is next?

Let's look at the list of players out there,

Jason Bay

It's old, I know, Jason Bay, everyone wants to talk about where Bay is going, and for how much? But Seattle does have some factors playing in their favor. Bay, who was born in British Columbia, played his college ball at the University of Gonzaga in Spokane, his wife is from Seattle, and better yet he lives in the Seattle area. So it almost seems like a logical fit for Bay to jump aboard the good ship Mariner and ride into Safeco Field.

Not so fast though, he is going to want big money, and is looking for a five year deal. Boston didn't want to go five years for the 31 year old Bay, and the Mets look to be the front runner right now, but any good poker player knows, you never show your hand too early, and you don't throw all your chips in until someone else has. And if we have learned anything about Zduriencik, it's that he is a fun GM to watch work.

Look for Seattle to possibly heat this topic up in the near future, if they haven't already.

Adrian Gonzalez

So possibly a trade for the power hitting lefty from the Padres could be a permanent fix for First Base in Safeco. Look at the factors. He is 27, he hit 40 homers, and was still healthy at the end of the season. I like Branyan, but look at the facts, if we can go after Gonzalez, he could fit right in and fill the spot for years.

Boston is trying to secure a trade as we speak for Gonzalez, but many believe that their trade bait isn't as good as what Seattle has, the right deal of a streaky second baseman and a couple prospects, could sway the tide to Seattle.

Felipe Lopez

Now don't think that I don't like the Lopez we have, but if you pick up a power bat like Gonzalez then you can trade away Jose and pick up Felipe, (to my knowledge, no relation). Lopez is a speedy second basemen, who hit .310 last year in 600 plus at bats with Milwaukee and Arizona. After seeing him play in person, the 30 year old does have a good glove and sometimes a power bat, (Two opening day homers), and last but not least he is a switch hitter. A switch hitter at the bottom of the line up could help any team.

Ben Sheets

Not a lot of talk about the 31 year old righty, considering that he could be the steal of the free agent market. After sitting out a year rehabbing from elbow surgery, Sheets could be a bargain if he makes it into January unsigned. You also don't take the risk of losing a draft pick by signing him, which is a positive thing for the M's who will lose a pick not matter what to the Angels (via the Figgins signing). GM Jack Zduriencik also has history with Sheets in Milwaukee and could spin some magic in securing him at a low price.

There are also some other Bargain free agents that may be in play by late January that need to be signed by teams and the Mariners could be rip for the picking on these players.

Joel Pineiro

I know, don't shoot me, but I got a feeling that he may slip a bit and get over looked in a lot of the deals going on. He has seemed to resurrect his career the last couple years, and with a speedy outfield at Safeco could really pull some of that St. Louis magic he had in Seattle. He is only 31, so you never know.

Jarrod Washburn

Yeah he is drawing attention, but the Mariners are going to take a look at him because of what he did last year for them. He is 35 yes, he didn't do well in Detroit yes, but you have to admit when him and Rob Johnson worked together something was clicking for him.

Whatever the Mariners do, you still have to like the odds that the team will be fighting for a division title, and not just a winning record this year, and that is saying a lot since the 2008 season.