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Michael Saunders: What Can The Mariners Get In Return?
Sep 26, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Andre Ethier (16) scores a run against the Colorado Rockies during the game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
By now, you have all heard the news. The Seattle Mariners are reportedly looking to shop Michael Saunders at this week’s GM meetings. And according to Chris Cotillo of SB Nation, the teams to watch are the Blue Jays, Reds, Dodgers, Tigers, Orioles, Mets, Athletics, Rangers, Angels, Rays and Phillies.
Perhaps it would have been easier to list who wouldn’t be interested in Saunders. Of course, the question remains: Why aren’t the Mariners interested in Saunders? There has been a falling out. Jack Zduriencik called him out early this offseason, calling his durability into question.
It’s a fair question to have, considering Saunders has played in only 78 games in 2014 and has been injured several other times in his career.
But now, it’s time to look to life in Safeco without Condor. So, what could the Mariners get in return for Saunders? Let’s take a look at some of the teams that Cotillo listed and see who might be available in a one-for-one swap (given that multi-player deals get complicated and you never know what will happen) using the help of fellow FanSided bloggers.
Disclaimer- Some multi-player deals are tossed around. These are all the speculation of fellow FanSided bloggers and are not based on information provided to us by a single source. Just opinions based on the needs of each organization. Enjoy.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Mariners have been linked to rumors for Matt Kemp for the past season-plus. This is because the Dodgers have a surplus of Major League outfielders. So why would the team be interested in adding another?
Matt Borelli at Lasorda’sLair.com suggests that Andre Ethier could be offered up as a “change of scenery” move, benefiting both players.
Ethier had a down year in 2014 (.249/.322/.370) a far cry from his career numbers (.285/.359/.462). Perhaps Ethier would benefit from regular playing time and regular at-bats in a lineup featuring Kyle Seager, Robinson Cano and whatever RH free agent bat the M’s pick up.
Borelli suggest that the trade is viable and that the Dodgers could even eat some of the remaining money on Ethier’s contract. He is signed through 2017 with a vesting option for 2018. The price? Another four years at $71 million.
Depending on how much money the Dodgers were asked to eat, the price would more than likely need to be more than just Saunders. The M’s would more than likely be asked to throw in a bullpen piece (perhaps Charlie Furbush or Tom Wilhelmsen) as well.
Oct 17, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias (1) turns a double play over Boston Red Sox catcher David Ross (3) during the fourth inning in game five of the American League Championship Series baseball game at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
New York Mets
The Mets are really interested in acquiring a shortstop. They are thought to be looking for corner outfield help, but desiring a more established piece. According to Danny Abriano at RisingApple.com thinks that Saunders would be nothing more than a fallback option for the Mets.
He does suggest that the Mets could have interest in Brad Miller and thinks that Cesar Puello could be dangled out there as a possible trade piece.
Puello had a fantastic 2013 in Double-A Binghamton (.326 avg, 16 HR, 73 RBI in 91 games) but took a step back in 2014 at Triple-A Las Vegas (.252, 7 HR, 37 RBI). But at 23-years old, there is still a lot of potential in this right-handed outfielder. It may be worth taking a look.
Baltimore Orioles
According to Domenic Vadala of BirdsWatcher.com, the Orioles have an abundance of outfielders and he doesn’t really see the need. He says he’d be shocked if the Orioles lose Nick Markakis and end up trading for Saunders as a fallback.
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers need to fill a lot of holes, especially if they are about to lose Max Scherzer and Victor Martinez. The Tigers have already lost Andy Dirks on waivers, so there is a need. However, it’s hard to picture what the Tigers would give up to acquire Saunders.
Matt Pelc of Motor City Bengals says that one of their young shortstops (Eugenio Suarez or Jose Iglesias) could be moved. Suarez has hitting potential (.242/.316/.336) but is at replacement level on defense (0.1 dWAR).
Iglesias is a better defender (1.3 dWAR in young career) but is coming off of missing the entire 2014 season with stress fractures in both of his shins.
Pelc also suggests that the Tigers have Devon Travis in the minors – a right-handed bat with pop. He is a 2nd baseman but the Tigers were going to try him at centerfield during the Arizona Fall League before he needed core muscle surgery.
Sep 30, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Athletics designated hitter Brandon Moss (37) hits a three-run home run against the Kansas City Royals during the sixth inning of the 2014 American League Wild Card playoff baseball game at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Angels
According to Ryan Ritchey of Halo Hangout, the Angels don’t need another outfielder. However, if they wanted the depth, a deal for a guy like C.J. Cron could work.
Cron can play first and DH having split duties in both positions for the Angels in 2014. His slash line of .256/.289/.450 doesn’t blow your mind, but it’s an improvement over anything the Mariners saw from the DH spot in 2014.
And in only 79 games, Cron managed 11 homers and 37 RBI. He’s not even eligible for arbitration until 2018 and is under club control until 2021. Might be a good match.
Oakland Athletics
According to Jason Burke at Swingin’ A’s, “Pretty much anyone but (Josh) Donaldson and (Sonny) Gray is available, I believe.”
So I posed the question, what about Brandon Moss?
Granted, Moss isn’t a right-handed bat, but the first-time All-Star has the pop needed in the middle of the lineup to protect Cano and Seager. He plays serviceable defense at first and could be used as a DH primarily if the club keeps Logan Morrison and finds a right-handed bat for RF.
So, what would it take to get Moss?
The A’s are looking for a shortstop for 2015, so let’s suggest Saunders and Brad Miller for Moss and a low-level minor league arm.
Burke says, “That could work, but the fans will hate it.”
True story. The A’s fans would. Of course, Billy Beane wouldn’t do it unless he though Saunders would give him value Moss couldn’t. That’s a big if. But, the A’s were willing to trade away Yoenis Cespedes for a few months of Jon Lester. Anything is possible I guess.
So what do you think? Should the Mariners try to pull the trigger on any of these deals?