The Mariners feel they need to bolster their rotation and are likely to increase their efforts to add a starter on the trade and free-agent markets if they miss out on right-hander Shohei Ohtani, Bob Dutton reports (Twitter links). If the Mariners are successful in luring Ohtani to Seattle, however, they’ll likely focus more on beefing up the bullpen and adding an outfielder to the mix. Certainly, the Mariners are doing everything in their power to be able to make the best offer possible to Ohtani, as they’ve now traded prospects Thyago Vieira (to the White Sox) and David Banuelos (to the Twins) to add an additional $1.5MM worth of international bonus allotments.
A few more notes out of Seattle…
- General manager Jerry Dipoto has spoken recently about his team’s desire for versatility on the roster, and to that end, the Mariners are asking Ben Gamel to work out at first base this offseason and in Spring Training, tweets Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times. Gamel, 25, turned in a solid .275/.322/.413 batting line with 11 homers last year and is capable of handling all three outfield spots already. Seattle picked up Ryon Healy to serve as its primary first baseman in 2018 and beyond, though certainly the ability to give Gamel some reps at first would give manager Scott Servais additional flexibility when filling out the lineup card.
- Dipoto joined Aaron Goldsmith on the third installment of the Mariners’ new “Wheelhouse” podcast and, as he has in the previous two episodes, discussed a host of topics that Mariners fans will want to hear. Notably, Dipoto tells Goldsmith that Hisashi Iwakuma (who recently signed a minor league deal with the Mariners) will be in Spring Training on a throwing program and, if all goes well, will be ready to pitch by mid-May. Dipoto gushes about Iwakuma’s work ethic and ability to sequence pitches to deceive hitters and says that he hopes the remainder of Iwakuma’s days as a player are spent in a Mariners uniform.
- Also of note, Dipoto explains that the Mariners are going to try to convert waiver claim Sam Moll from a reliever back into a starter. Dipoto notes that Moll has a solid riding fastball in the 90-94 mph range and a changeup that helps him generate grounders, as well as a breaking pitch that trails behind his other two offerings somewhat in quality. Moll has only started six games as a professional but was a starter in college and intrigues the Mariners in that role. At minimum, Dipoto says the Mariners view Moll as a multi-inning relief candidate with a pair of minor league options, giving them some nice flexibility next year.
If Jerry doesn’t get Ohtani, will he go on a trading binge?
If Jerry does get Ohtani, will he go on a trading binge?
The answer to both those questions is of course, Yes
If Jerry does get Ohtani, does he trade Ohtani?
If Jerry doesn’t get Ohtani, does he trade For Ohtani?
If Jerry doesn’t get Ohtani And then trades for Ohtani, does he then trade Ohtani again?
Oh my gosh, Segovia, you were right! And we don’t even know yet if Jerry knows whether or not he got Ohtani.
Peter o brien does not get rave reviews
Peter o brien does not get rave reviews
Peter o brien does not get rave reviews
Too much random Mariners news and not enough Ohtani Mariners news.
I agree matey. It’s givin me scurvy,..arrrrgghhhh
Here’s a good read about real mariners, it’s a bit more interesting than the mariners team.
Purpose in life and work-related stress in mariners. Mediating role of quality of marriage bonds and perceived anxiety.
Peplińska A, Jeżewska M1, Leszczyńska I, Połomski P. Int Marit Health. 2014;65(2):87-92. doi: 10.5603/IMH.2014.0019.
Sounds like a real page turner
Ohtani is coming to Seattle. You can book it Dano.
Yes, and then to gate 22E to catch his connecting flight to Chicago.
Highly doubt it’ll be The Cubs who will get Ontani. He seems to want to go to a West Coast team. Them and The Rangers seem like long shots.
There is no 22E in Seattle.Terminals A, B, C, D, N and S.
Cubs must be cheap if they are going to send him to the rental car kiosk to get to Chicago! Try again!
Cubs must be cheap if they are going to send him to the rental car kiosk to get to Chicago! Try again!
Seattle? Chicago? Why two connectors to Los Angeles?
He’s only going to Los Angeles to convince Stanton to come to the Giants.
I don’t know about that.. Since he will be counting on endorsements to make up for his lack of salary I would think that LA market would be a bit more alluring than Seattle.. I believe he will sign with the Angels with the Cubs being the runner up.. Seattle does make a ton of sense until you get to the endorsements.. Their market just can not compete with southern California. Plus, the chance to play with the best player of our generation has to be tempting, as well..
Why? The vast majority of his endorsements will come from Japan, not the US. It won’t matter where he plays here in terms of getting those.
Have we not yet established that nobody really knows what Ohtani wants?
Having NEVER been experienced with having the best known Japanese player on earth playing in the MLB, you have no clue where these endorsements and the attention comes from. We, in Seattle, already know and have already dealt with the constant exposure from Japan following their star player around. And that player will tell you, Seattle was a great experience for him, and is probably telling Ohtani that, as we speak.
Also Nintendo partially owns the Mariners the endorsement potential there is huge in Japan.
Lance Lynn would be a good fit for Seattle. He is a fly ball pitcher who needs a spacious park to be most effective. Not only will he answer the bell every fifth day and eat innings, he is underrated in free agent talks, and can be had at a cheaper rate than many of the names. Although if Chatwood garners 38 mil, then I don’t know how much it would take to reel in Lynn.
Safeco is more of a neutral park now. They have seen a crap ton HR go out over the last 2 years with the fences being moved. It goes for both opposing teams and Ms.
They need ground ball pitchers. That is why I liked Chatwood, but he gone.
I don’t know if anyone will be crying about missing out on Chatwood for 3/40 this time next year. That’s banking on his potential not his results.
I just want the know if Ohtani is coming to Seattle or not!