Mariners Trade Deadline: An Analytical Look at Seattle’s Trade Options

Jul 26, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22, right) walks back to the dugout the after the final out of a 4-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

It may already be obvious by my tone above, but if not, here is what my ideal deadline would look like.

If Ben Zobrist is at all available, I think you pull out all the stops (short of making a blatantly dumb move) to make him a Mariner. He is the best player on the list above, and a near perfect fit right now.

If he is not, I would love to see them go under the radar and pick up Ruggiano, who may be the least appealing above in terms of name and value but would probably cost next to nothing while still being a large upgrade. He could be exchanged with Chris Denorfia and you probably get a similar effect.

In addition, Bartolo Colon makes perfect sense to me as a all but guaranteed veteran to take Elias’ spot in the rotation, and provide the depth the team needs from that spot both this year and next. Again, the price has to be right, but if it is, you pull the trigger.

Marlon Byrd is nice in theory, and would be a big help. But he may cost more in trade than he should, and the two following years could become scary. He isn’t my favorite, but I am not against it. Kemp on the other hand, I have little to no interest in unless he costs nothing, both in prospects and money.