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If you were Jerry Dipoto for a day
Everyone likes to play armchair General Manager this time of year. I've seen people lament the Mariner's inability to spend on the big free agent shortstops this offseason as J.P. Crawford digs himself out of a hole. Likewise, social media is littered with comments about the ineptitude of Mariner designated hitters (.109) and the black hole that is second base (.106). So we posed a Twitter Poll last week, giving you the power to make a move and the results were interesting.
The team is coming back home after a mixed bag .500 roadtrip. You are Jerry for the day and you can make ONE move. What are you doing to jumpstart this team? #Mariners
— SoDo Mojo (@SodoMojoFS) April 13, 2023
Let's dig into the results and the moves you suggested to address some early season issues.
Option #1: Call up the grizzled veteran
Almost 1,000 of you chimed in, most leaning toward either swinging a trade for former Mariner Tyler O'Neill (34.8%) or replacing backup corner infielder Tommy La Stella with Colin Moran (39%). The latter move doesn't move the needle much, but it does give Scott Servais more flexibility, especially in late-game situations where La Stella can't play the field. Other names floated around as potential call-ups are utilityman Cesar Hernandez or waiting for the return of Dylan Moore.
Colin Moran goes oppo for a 3-run HR. pic.twitter.com/hkiIrDycdI
— Mariners Minors (@MiLBMariners) April 6, 2023
Option #2: Trade for an old friend
As for the second-place transaction, it would help solidify a struggling bottom of the order, but at what cost? Early season trades for Gold Glove outfielders with a power and speed combination only happen occasionally because acquiring team usually gives up a ton of prospect capital. So there is a world where the Mariners would have to give up Bryce Miller and more for O'Neill.
Tyler O'Neill launches one 461 feet! pic.twitter.com/GzTjczZWEl
— MLB (@MLB) April 12, 2023
The Mariners designated hitter issues are becoming a punchline. Through 17-games, Seattle's DHs are by far the least productive with 6 hits in 55 at-bats, 0 RBIs and a .109/.194/.212 slash line. Acquiring O'Neill could address two issues. First, it would create a dynamic and versatile outfield (Kelenic, Rodriguez, O'Neill) and ultimately allow Teoscar Hernandez to fill designated hitter duties. If the cost is too high, other options exist to infuse some power into the designated hitter spot.
I think Jerry will go get a DH “rental” in a few months like he did with Santana last year. I’m not that worried about it TBH
— yodaprom (@yodaprom) April 13, 2023
Guys like CJ Cron who are on their last year & playing for bad teams will be out there
Rent them for the second half/playoffs & all of a sudden it’s WS pic.twitter.com/lkBwDIVTT9
C.J. Cron could easily fill the firstbase and designated hitter duties, but his profile doesn't fit this team as he tends to strikeout above league average. Also, the Colorado Rockies will more than likely hold on to him until the trade deadline to maximize his value. So, that leads us back to O'Neill or Moran.
There are plenty of options for Jerry Dipoto and Justin Hollander to provide the team with an offensive boost. But, as fans, we are stuck in limbo, waiting for the dynamic duo to make a move. Luckily the season is still young, and we don't call the shots because if we did, many of you would send top prospect Harry Ford and more to Pittsburgh for everyone's favorite Pirate.
Trade for Bryan Reynolds 2 months ago
— Dr Pepper No Ice (@DrPepper_NoIce) April 13, 2023
I don't think I have the stomach to make that move and I hope Jerry doesn't either.