Brett Anderson On Mariners Radar

Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

We promised some action after Dec. 1 and the Seattle Mariners did not disappoint. Or perhaps they did, depending on your point of view.

Monday, the M’s brought back veteran utility man Willie Bloomquist on a two-year deal. The deal may be a bit overpriced for a player of Willie’s caliber but every successful team has that go-to guy off the bench that can fill in almost anywhere on the field and give guys a rest. We now have that guy.

Monday night also saw the retention of Justin Smoak and Michael Saunders as the M’s tendered contracts ahead of the 9 pm PST deadline. It should come as no surprise that the Mariners sought to retain the two but it’s worth noting.

Now, all eyes turn back towards the free agent and trade markets with the hopes of a major move on the horizon.

Early this morning, Buster Olney of ESPN dropped this one on us.

Not sure who the Mariners plan to deal to get Anderson, but he could be a welcome addition to the staff if he can stay healthy. He spent the majority of 2013 in the bullpen with a 6.04 ERA in 16 games (five starts).

His injury history is troublesome. He had Tommy John surgery in 2011 and returned in 2012 to make six starts before landing on the DL with an oblique strain. Then he spent significant time on the DL in 2013 with a stress fracture in his right foot.

But he is young – turns 26 prior to Spring Training – and under contract through 2015.

I guess depending on the price – probably a swap of prospects – this has a low risk/high reward potential to it.

Stay tuned.