From Pro's Insider post in the MLB thread:
[h3]The Mariners and the deadline[/h3]
3:32PM ET
[h5]Seattle Mariners[/h5]
[h5]Mariners have items for sale[/h5]
The
Seattle Mariners are well on their way to another summer of selling at the trade deadline, but there crop of veterans that could be available may not draw much interest, suggesting it may be a quiet July for GM Jack Zduriencik.
Deadline Strategy
The Mariners are likely to look for ways to shave payroll where they can and open spots for their younger players, but Zduriencik could also seek a deal that helps the club long term if the right player is available. Adding veterans for the rest of 2012 is not on their agenda, but if they make moves they aren't going to be limited to salary dumps and deals that create roster space.
Money
The Mariners kept payroll down prior to the season, but that wasn't out of necessity and appear willing to add to it if the right player comes along that can make an impact beyond 2012.
Bait
In order to shed the veterans that aren't likely to be here next season and make room for younger players, each of the names mention above, right, are likely in play. For a young talent to be involved, it would have to occur in a scenario such as the deal the M's made with the
Detroit Tigers a year ago, sending right-hander
Doug Fister to Motown for younger pieces.
Ichiro Suzuki, in the final year of his contract, and the club's most valuable proven commodity,
Felix Hernandez, are likely safe for various reasons.
Targets
While two-month rentals have no value to Seattle, a quality pitcher or everyday bat under contract beyond this season is certainly worth a discussion. If the Twins shop
Denard Span or
Josh Willingham, the Mariners could be part of those negotiations and
Michael Cuddyer in Colorado is another possibility, though it appears unlikely the Rockies move him.
- Jason A. Churchill
Going after current and former Twins. Keepin' it all in the family. For me, at least.
