Trade Deadline Preview: Seattle Mariners
By Aaron Somers
Jun 14, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop Willie Bloomquist (8) throws the ball to first base against the Texas Rangers during the fourth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Needs to be addressed:
1. First base
Seattle entered the season with Justin Smoak, Logan Morrison, and Corey Hart all in the mix for playing time at first base. Smoak and Hart are both on the DL, leaving Morrison and his .232/.289/.402 line to take the bulk of the at bats there. Jesus Montero is learning the position at Triple-A, but he doesn’t figure to be an immediate fix in the interim. Of all of the positions on the field that the team could look to upgrade on the offensive side of things, this one could be the easiest.
2. Outfield power
Mariners outfielders have hit a combined 14 home runs on the season. The three starters – Dustin Ackley, James Jones, and Michael Saunders – have been responsible for just eight of those. Power isn’t everything from a team’s outfield, but a lack of it can be a glaring problem that teams will continuously look to exploit. Finding a corner outfielder, even one who may not be an everyday option, could be a big step towards lengthening this lineup.
3. Bench help
When 36 year old Willie Bloomquist is the most called upon and most productive member of your bench, there’s room for an upgrade. He brings some veteran leadership to things and his defensive versatility is valuable, but Bloomquist doesn’t get on base like he used to and fails to bring any power to the table. The alternative options in house aren’t much more inspiring as Endy Chavez, Cole Gillespie, and even Nick Franklin project as similar types of offensive players.