Mariners Likely To Trade Infielder By Opening Day

September 22, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Nick Franklin (20) misses catching a ground ball during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

We’ve seen this coming for quite some time now haven’t we? With the signing of Robinson Cano, the Mariners have an abundance of infielders.

We have speculated for some time now that Nick Franklin would be the one to be dealt. But he and Brad Miller entered Spring Training with the understanding that there would be a competition for the starting shortstop position.

Now the word from ESPNNewYork.com’s Adam Rubin is that Seattle is likely to move either Franklin – a natural shortstop – or Miller by Opening Day. Presumably, whomever loses the shortstop battle.

Here are each of their stats from 2013, the rookie season for both players:

Me personally, I would rather keep Miller. I think he shows promise as a leadoff hitter, has potential to be a solid defender and I think the Mariners can get more value in return for Franklin currently.

So who to deal with? Well, word is spreading fast through New York already about the Mets as a possible destination. In a trade for who is the bigger question.

The Mets have been pushing Ike Davis and Lucas Duda as possible trade bait, but the Mariners have little need for either. Unless they plan on trading Justin Smoak to a team like the Pirates. Then I would welcome Ike Davis in a Mariners uniform. Wouldn’t you?

There is also the chance that they use Franklin or Miller as trade bait for a starting pitcher and with whispers of interest in Cuban shortstop Aledmys Diaz floating about, it’s possible that Miller or Franklin could be used in tandem with Diaz or perhaps they trade both.

The most likely scenario is the trade for starting pitching considering that seems to be a need the Mariners are very concerned about, but scoring runs doesn’t seem to be a worry.

Regardless, one of those two is on borrowed time in a Mariners uniform. We shall find out who sooner rather than later.