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Alternate Universe: The Mariners blow it up for 2018 Part 1

By Colby Patnode

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 30: GM Jerry Dipoto of the Seattle Mariners looks on from the dugout prior to the game against the Houston Astros at Safeco Field on September 30, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 30: GM Jerry Dipoto of the Seattle Mariners looks on from the dugout prior to the game against the Houston Astros at Safeco Field on September 30, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /
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Mariners
BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 28: Nelson Cruz /

Mariners Trade Nelson Cruz, Andrew Moore and cash to the Orioles for Kevin Gausman

Nelson Cruz returns to the place of his true breakout. He is accompanied by prospect Andrew Moore, and odd move for a rebuilding team, but necessary to help Baltimore justif trading a 27 year old pitcher with 2 years left of control for a 38 year old with 1.

It is hard to believe Gausman will already be an Arbitration 2 guy this off-season, but he is a young pitcher who has yet to fulfill some of his upside. A career 4.14 FIP, the Orioles could be growing tired of waiting. With a veteran ball club that will likely lose Manny Machado when eligible for free agency, the time is now for the Orioles.

Gausman checks all the boxes for a Jerry Dipoto arm, including the coveted 8 K/9 to go along with a sub 3 BB/9. He has a filthy splitter to go along with a 95 MPH fastball. This trade would allow the Mariners 2 seasons of a potential ace and an opportunity to resign him. The deal could also net the Mariners a nice group of prospects if Gausman can figure it out in Seattle.

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