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Mariners Rumors: A Whole Lot Of Talk

By Dan Hughes |
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Feb 18, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik speaks to the media during MLB media day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The news was flying out of Peoria, Ariz. on Friday as Seattle Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik and new skipper Lloyd McClendon answered some burning questions. Here is the latest round of news and Mariners rumors.

The first quote of note was from Trader Jack who told Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune:

“I could have already done a couple of deals. I didn’t want to do them. I wanted to figure out what we had here. I want to see our players with our own eyes. Let’s let a whole new coaching staff put their hands on them. Get their opinions, and we’ll see. There will be opportunities if we want to do something. Not that we will, but I think they’ll exist.”

Does that mean the Mariners are done adding? Hardly. But what it does seem to mean is that the team will wait until some spring training games are under their belts to see what we indeed have this year.

Perhaps Abraham Almonte shows tremendous promise as a starting centerfielder/leadoff man and Justin Smoak hits 10 homers in the first six games. Yeah, and perhaps six to eight American League teams just give up on the season before it starts too.

I wouldn’t read too much into this. Jack is just posturing and keeping potential free agents of  the mindset that “we really don’t need you” which will keep the price lower.

Feb 20, 2014; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners first baseman Jesus Montero (63) poses for a picture during photo day at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Jesus Montero

The next bit of news – which I plan on going more in depth on tomorrow – is the weight and expectations of Jesus Montero.

Montero came to camp 40 lbs. overweight, admitting that he didn’t do much but eat after the Winter League concluded.

“After winter ball, all I did was eat.” — Jesus Montero

But that’s not the story….or at least it shouldn’t be. The story should be how the once highly-touted prospect just simply doesn’t get it. He lost his job as the catcher of the future to Mike Zunino and has shifted to first base.

But first base is currently occupied by Justin Smoak and Logan Morrison (Corey Hart is expected to play OF and DH). So what does Jack think of Montero? He told Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times:

“I have zero expectations for Jesus Montero. Any expectations I had are gone. We are disappointed in how he came in physically. He’s got a ton to prove. It’s all on him.”

Harsh words, harsh but necessary. Whether Montero truly wants to be here is yet to be determined. But he is starting in a deep hole.

Feb 20, 2014; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners outfielder Dustin Ackley (13) poses for a picture during photo day at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Dustin Ackley,Nick Franklin and Brad Miller

For those of you who have been wondering where Dustin Ackley will be spending the majority of his time this season…..

So that leaves center for Michael Saunders and/or Abraham Almonte, squashing many of the reports earlier this offseason that Ackley would man center and Saunders would be in left.

As for the abundance of 2B/SS, namely Franklin and Miller, Trader Jack addressed the fate of the player that loses the SS battle.

“It would be unfair to a young kid to put him in a backup role (on the big-league club). That would be my thought right now, but you never know what is going to happen. I just think with young players, it would be unfair not to let them have their at-bats, and to play in the field, every single day to have a chance to get better. We’ll let these guys battle at shortstop and see what happens.”

So the winner gets to be the starting shortstop for the foreseeable future, the loser either goes to Triple-A Tacoma, or gets traded. I still believe a trade to the Yankees or the Mets is most likely….more than likely the Mets, in a package that includes Ike Davis.

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