Seattle Mariners Trade News: Grading the M's Deadline Deals (or Non-Deals)

The Seattle Mariners were heading nowhere this season, with a surplus of pitching and a dearth of hitting, leaving fans with a bitter taste in their mouths. 

They had to do something to balance out this equation, so the Mariners' trading deadline transactions should have been no surprise.

Here’s a look at the moves they did (and didn't) make.

Doug Fister to Detroit Tigers: B+

The Mariners sent starter Doug Fister and reliever David Pauley to Detroit for OF Casper Wells, LHP Charlie Furbush, AA 3B Francisco Martinez and a player to be named later.

While Fister has been performing very well this year and should help Detroit down the stretch, the Mariners got plenty in return.

Casper Wells should become a solid power producer in a line-up sorely lacking this commodity.

Meanwhile, Furbush has the chance to fill a back-end spot in the Mariners' rotation for years to come.

Erik Bedard to Boston Red Sox: A-

In a three-way deal, the Mariners ended up sending LHP Erik Bedard and RHP Josh Fields to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for OF Trayvon Robinson and OF Chih-Hsien Chiang.

While Bedard was having a nice bounce-back year, he had once again paid a visit to the DL.

Also, former 2008 first-round draft pick Fields had struggled mightily for AAA Tacoma.

Robinson and Chiang, like Wells, have produced big time power numbers in the minors.

Robinson has since been called up and flashed his athleticism with a homerun-robbing catch against the Angels. 

Adam Kennedy Stays in Seattle: B

Adam Kennedy defines professionalism. He is a solid hitter who can play different positions and is a clubhouse leader.

Contenders are constantly looking to add these types of players for the homestretch, and Seattle possibly could have moved him for some prospects.

However, keeping Kennedy around is never a bad move, as he can show the younger Mariners the right way to approach this all-too-often difficult game.

Brandon League Stays in Seattle: D

There were several teams (Rangers, Cardinals, Reds, etc.) who were desperately looking for relief help.

Let's face it, saving games for the Mariners is not a full time occupation.

Seattle should have moved League to one of these teams for a top prospect or two. 

Felix Hernandez Stays in Seattle: A

While some were calling for King Felix Hernandez to be traded, the Mariners wisely decided to hold onto him.

Trading him would have brought in many prospects, but at some point you need to show your fans that you still care about the product on the field.

King Felix is arguably the best pitcher in baseball, plays in a pitcher’s ballpark and loves the city.

He and Michael Pineda are formidable one-two starters that Seattle should build their team around. 

Final Grade: A-

The Mariners urgently needed an infusion of hitting prospects, especially in the outfield. They received three of them in their two trades that could help Seattle sooner rather than later.

Also, the front office showed the fans that they haven’t thrown in the towel completely by choosing to hold on to King Felix.

All in all, this was a very successful trading deadline for Seattle.