Michael Saunders: What Can The Mariners Get In Return?

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?