Potential Mariners Free Agent Signings

Sep 2, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher

(50) reacts after the Athletics recorded the last out of the game against the Texas Rangers in the ninth inning at O.co Coliseum. The Athletics defeated the Rangers 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Grant Balfour

Finally, it would be nice if Seattle had a true closer to secure some wins for King Felix and Company. Balfour’s 2013 season will undoubtedly drive his price higher than the Moneyball-types will care to afford.

Balfour is thought to be on the radar of the Tigers, Yankees, Angels, Brewers and Rockies as well as the M’s. He has acknowledged that he has more than likely played his last game as a member of the Athletics, why not close games out against them now?

At $9-$10 million/year and two or three years with an option year, the Mariners should invest the money here.

ODDS OF SIGNING IN SEATTLE: 10-1

And there you have it. While I would really love to see the Mariners go for broke and get all five of these players, chances are they will be lucky to get one. Odds of getting all five are at 750-1. But look at the lineup we would have:

C- Mike Zunino
1B- Justin Smoak
2B- Nick Franklin
SS- Brad Miller
3B- Kyle Seager
LF- Shin-Soo Choo
CF- Jacoby Ellsbury
RF- Dustin Ackley
DH- Kendrys Morales or Raul Ibanez

SP- Felix Hernandez
SP- Hisashi Iwakuma
SP- Matt Garza
SP- Tim Lincecum
SP- James Paxton
CL- Grant Balfour

I’d take that.