Under-The-Radar Options For The 2014 Mariners

Sep 20, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Dioner Navarro hits a home run in the 8th inning of their game against the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

I wrote a couple of weeks ago that the Mariners need to get creative this year in order to have even a glimpse of contention. It is nice to go after some big names and splurge in free agency. In fact, I think it makes sense for a team with some much to spend, and so little to lose, at least compared to how much they have lost recently.

But unfortunately, even acquiring some combination of Jacoby Ellsbury, Shin-Soo Choo, Mike Napoli and/or Matt Garza wouldn’t be enough on its own.

In this post, having done some more research on the topic, I have a few specific names that would fit as potential under-the-radar acquisitions to go along with a big name or two.

First, let’s run down some of the positions the team could afford to upgrade. Unfortunately the list is longer than one would hope. The other spots likely locked up are 3rd base, shortstop, 2nd base, and catcher (debatable).

It could also be argued that one of the outfield spots can be filled internally, by the best of Michael Saunders, Abe Almonte, Dustin Ackley and Stefen Romero. That leaves two outfield spots, 1st base and designated hitter open for business.