Under-The-Radar Options For The 2014 Mariners

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OF/2B Kelly Johnson

Johnson was one of the better 2nd basemen in the league in 2o1o, posting a 5.4 WAR. Since then, he has slowly lost playing time, and his role has changed. Instead of being a full time 2nd baseman, he has slowly been converted to an outfielder and/or utility player off the bench. And it makes sense.

Johnson was terrible at the plate following the 5.4 WAR season (93 and 85 wRC+), but had a slight uptick in production last year. The Rays acquired him, and used him mainly as a platoon left fielder. He had 408 innings in left field, 118 innings at 3rd base, and 135 innings at 2nd base.

In that time, he posted a 101 wRC+ and 1.2 WAR over 407 plate appearances. Not great obviously, but the M’s need upgrades anywhere they can. Johnson’s ability to play three or more positions, while hitting near league average would be very valuable off the bench or in a part time role. If a player who mashes lefties can be brought in, Johnson would serve as the other side of that platoon, and would serve as insurance if Dustin Ackley and/or Nick Franklin bomb again.

Honorable Mentions:

1B/OF Garrett Jones
OF Franklin Gutierrez
1B/DH Corey Hart (discussed a little to often to be talked about in this list)

Any number of these players, or others like them, would be smart acquisitions for a team that lacks quality players at multiple positions. Ellsbury or Napoli would be nice, but those two alone won’t get it done.

But, if combined with a few smart undervalued players could get the Mariners close.