Mariners assistant GM Jeff Kingston outlined the team's targets in weekend talks at Fan Fest. MLB.com has video, and Jon Shields of Pro Ball NW transcribed quotes.
Kingston says the Mariners are in talks for a right-handed bat who can help out at DH and first base, and may land one in the next week. To Shields, the quotes imply that the player would help at DH more than first base. Shields speculates on Ryan Garko and Jermaine Dye as free agent possibilities. I'll add Marcus Thames as another guess. Jonny Gomes hits lefties but doesn't have first base experience.
Kingston didn't provide clues about the pitcher, but he also expects to acquire one in the next week. The Ms will watch Noah Lowry throw tomorrow, and have also been linked to Jarrod Washburn in some reports.
How about a trade for Mike Lowell?
It wouldn’t surprise me. The Ms have been able to pick up some big contracts on the cheap like Bradley and Byrnes. Why not one more?
I don’t see why they’d be looking for someone to fill the DH role, they already have Milton Bradley who has proven his inability to stay healthy when playing the field. Garko would be a decent flex guy between 1B/LF, but somebody with more pop would be nice. Josh Willingham doesn’t fit in defensively with the M’s other pick-ups, but he’s a very solid 1B/LF/DH piece that could add some RH pop to their line-up.
Could it be they are hedging their bets with Bradley? I think it would be the smart thing to do given his instability physically and mentally. The Cubs gave him all sorts of guarantees which turned out to be a really bad idea. Having a few bats around not only lets him know that there is competition for playing time, but also a constant reminder that he is replaceable if he becomes a problem.
I’m going to guess Ryan Garko. I can’t see the Mariners picking up an unproven defensive guy at first like Dye, Thames, or Gomes. That doesn’t seem to be their MO this offseason. Garko is at least decent defensively while still providing a decent RH bat to complement Kotchman.
I’m going to stay with my prediction from yesterday, and say they sign Johnny Damon.
Why would they sign Damon? He’s not right-handed, nor does he hit for power. And they already have two top-of-the-order guys with Ichiro and Figgins. Just doesn’t make much sense to me.
I can see they are looking for a right-handed batter… But, where does it say anything about a powerhitter?
Aren’t they also looking for someone who can backup at first? Damon doesn’t fit there either.
Damon has played some first.
You mean those 11 innings in his career? Given the Ms emphasis on defense this year and that their first baseman is already left-handed, Damon would seem to be a pretty poor fit.
Some experience is better than none.
It doesn’t say they’re looking at a power hitter, but all you have to do is look at the facts. Their top HR hitter from last year is gone. One of their corner OF is a notorious slap-hitter, although he’s one of the best slap-hitters in baseball. Chone Figgins and Casey Kotchman don’t exactly sport power bats on the infield corners. Right now their biggest power threats are Jose Lopez, and the hope that Bradley’s power returns.
Thames did play some backup 1B for the Tigers over the past few years, so it wouldn’t be as far-fetched as Dye. Thames also has more pop than Garko.
What about Mike Sweeney? The guy is dying to come back to the M’s and fits that role perfectly.
Thames has been a backup 1B for the Tigers. He has a little less defense but a lot more pop in his bat. Can also play OF/DH. Better option than Garko.
How about Chris Snyder? He could become the M’s starting catcher, or he could be moved to first in an effort to keep him healthy. I imagine he’ll improve offensively if he’s moved to first also. He was pretty good with the bat in 2008, and is a much better option than Kotchman or Johnson/Moore. Could be a good buy low.
Hank Blalock.
Isn’t right-handed.
If the latest Hudson thing falls apart for MN they could send Perkins/Casilla out for a 2b or 3b with promise. If this winter’s Lopez rumors had any substance then maybe he could be the guy heading back.
Thames doesn’t fit the type of player Zduriencik values at all. Bad guess.
I think Kingston ment they were looking for a “non-roster” type player like Dave at USSmariner.com had said. I am interested though that that if they were looking to persue such a deal that it comes in the form of a trade. Right now the M’s have about five billion different was to do this. As CrisE said before Lopez could be dealt. Tui is in the wings waiting and then there is Kotchman who could be packaged and dealt again, which is something that was speculated when he was brought in. If that happend Carp could get a shot at 1B and if I remember correctly he has some LF experience in the minors although I don’t think that he would have much success in Safeco. Also the M’s have about 3 other OF’s that are on the verge of being ready. We could see in 2011 season a fight for that LF spot and some big trading then as well. Right now though lots of good options out there. I just hope that everyone stays healthy threw spring training.
With Byrnes, Michael Saunders and Milton Bradley, + Langerhans, they’re pretty much covered in LF now. I’d guess a 1B and live bat off the bench is what they’re looking for. I think the starting line-up is all but locked, except another SP.
Whoever they get, I’d be awfully suprised if it was someone who would take take ABs from Byrnes/ Bradley in LF.
Dear Mariners,
Please take Carlos Guillen off the Tigers hands. He hits switch, has some (altho not great) experience at 1st, and needs to be platooning at this point. It would be a homecoming!! We’ll throw in Dontrelle for free…
Yeah, my home in fantasy land is nice…
Im pretty excited about all this though. Its an amazing thing going on here in Seattle. Lets see if the M’s can keep it up. Its almost Nut up or shut up time! Double Tap!
What about Mike Sweeney? He had a pretty decent 2nd half last season and is dying to come back to the M’s.
Looks like it is Ryan Garko:
link to sportsillustrated.cnn.com
Another great low cost, high reward move by Z. Garko is only 29 and posted a .870 OPS vs LHs last year…
The Mariners have signed Ryan Garko:
link to sportsillustrated.cnn.com
Getting Garko to platoon with Kotchman is a nice move. The M’s have a totally different team than last year.
Washburn seems destined to return to the Mariners. Where else could he go at this point?I wouldn’t want him, but I can see how Boras is maneuvering the Mariners to offer 1 year and 5 or 6 million.