At Bat This Morning: Seattle Mariners News for December 12, 2012

Sep 21, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Franklin Gutierrez (21) scores off a wild pitch thrown by Texas Rangers relief pitcher Martin Perez (not pictured) during the 3rd inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Not a whole lot is happening in Mariners-land with the wait-and see approach the team is taking when approaching team-building activities. Gutierrez is playing well in Venezuela; there are several Mariners on the Hall of Fame List, and there’s continuing speculation about who might be good choices (Nick Swisher?) for Mariner deal bids for the 2013 season.

• Center fielder Franklin Gutierrez is having a good show playing for the Venezuela winter league. Despite this, questions remain about whether he is healthy enough to bolster the Mariners’ defensive efforts. Gutierrez only played 40 games in 2012 due to illness.
• The New York Yankees signed a one-year deal with Kevin Youkilis to replace Alex Rodriguez as starting third baseman.
• A nine-player deal took place between the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Indians, and Cincinnati Reds. The Indians received Trevor Bauer, Drew Stubbs, Matt Albers, and Bryan Shaw. The Reds received $3.5 million, Shin-Soo Choo, and Jason Donald. The Diamondbacks received Tony Sip, Lars Anderson, and Didi Gregorius.
• Four Mariners ballplayers are up for Hall of Fame honors. Edgar Martinez, Jose Mesa, Aaron Sele, and Jeff Cirillo.

Hopefully we’ll see some movement on the part of the Mariners in the next few days. Meanwhile, think about this: Many of the players on the Hall of Fame ballot were involved in steroid use. Should we disqualify them? Comment below and vote on the poll.