Seattle Mariners: 5 Players Who Could Help Their Playoff Chances

The Seattle Mariners are in an interesting position. They are consistently scoring two or three runs per game (if that), yet they are still within striking distance in the AL West. 

The M's want to make a move to get into contention, but they don't want to mess up the rebuilding process by trading away the whole farm system.

This was exemplified by the team recently stating that they don't just want a half-year rental.

So, who does that leave for trade deadline targets?

If someone is set to be a free agent in 2012, they have to be cheap—think Ryan Ludwick. Not Carlos Beltran.

And, if we are going to give up a few more prospects, it has to be for someone who is under team control until at least 2013—think Michael Bourn. Not Prince Fielder.

Seattle fans need to temper expectations for the MLB trade deadline. They aren't trading the farm for a star. They may, however, go after reasonably-priced guys. Here are five potential options.  

Angel Pagan, New York Mets

Angel Pagan is set to enter his last year of arbitration in 2012, but he is having a worse season this year than last, so the Mariners should have control of him until at least 2013.

The New York Mets have improved dramatically as of late, but unless they find a way to change divisions, they probably won't be making the playoffs this year. They won't have a huge fire sale like some people believed earlier in the year, but they should be listening to offers. 

Pagan could give good defense in left or center, while bringing a good contact rate and speed on the base paths to the Mariners lineup.

He could hit second if manager Eric Wedge wants to keep Dustin Ackley behind Justin Smoak in the lineup, or he could hit somewhere around sixth.

The 30-year-old wouldn't cost the Mariners any top prospects, either.  

Laynce Nix, Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals, like the Mets, have the unfortunate circumstance of being in the NL East. Although they are having a terrific season, it wouldn't be surprising to see them trade some pieces.

The Mariners, who went after Laynce Nix in the offseason, could come calling.

Nix would bring a powerful left-handed bat to Safeco, and would be a welcomed addition to the five spot. Nix is hitting .279 with 12 home runs in just 200 at bats this season.

Of course, Nix comes with his downsides, as well. He lacks the ability to hit left-handed pitching, so he could certainly be looked at as just a glorified Carlos Peguero.

Still though, if the price is right, Nix would be a nice bat to acquire.   

Sean Marshall, Chicago Cubs

Sean Marshall would be a cheap way to add a good left-handed arm to the bullpen.

The Mariners bullpen has been terrific so far this year, but it still remains very thin. If any of the starters stop going seven or eight innings every time out, or when Michael Pineda starts getting rest, the bullpen will probably need some help.

The Chicago Cubs are going to be sellers, and Marshall, who will be under team control until 2013, is one of the cheapest available options.

Marshall currently sports a 2.29 ERA and has 40 strikeouts in just 39.1 innings.

A back of the bullpen foursome of Marshall, Jamey Wright, David Pauley and Brandon League would be more than good enough for a playoff run.  

Ryan Ludwick, San Diego Padres

Ryan Ludwick becomes a free agent after this season, and the San Diego Padres might want to get something for him while they can.

It wouldn't be surprising if the Mariners came calling as the trade deadline nears.

Although Ludwick is a right-handed power bat, and we all know how those usually fair at Safeco, he has shown that he can hit for good power in a spacious park. He has hit just as many home runs this year at Petco Park that he has on the road.

Ludwick has also shown that he can hit well without any real protection around him (10 HR, 54 RBI in San Diego), so he should be fine in the middle of Seattle's lineup, which has many more weapons than the Padres'. 

Michael Bourn, Houston Astros

Michael Bourn is putting together a terrific season, and chances are that he won't be dealt. Still, the Astros should be listening to any offers that come through their office.

While most would like to see the Mariners go after Bourn's partner to the right, Hunter Pence, that's a trade that would probably require Seattle to trade too much, and therefore stunt the team's rebuilding process.

Bourn, who is under team control until 2013, is hitting .291, walks at a good rate, leads the league in stolen bases and plays terrific defense in the outfield.

He's the type of playmaker that I wouldn't mind giving up a couple of mid-level prospects to acquire.