Making Moves

The Seattle Mariners and Seahawks had something in common they made moves this week to their rosters. For the Mariners they added a few minor leaguers to the forty man roster to protect them from the rule five draft. It included former number one draft pick D.J. Peterson. There was some speculation they make keep off the roster however decided to protect him after.  Peterson originally was drafted as a third baseman however with Kyle Seager being the regular at that position for some time including winning a gold glove and being an all-star along with signing a seven year contract  the Mariners had him switch to first base. The Mariners  in July traded with the Chicago Cubs getting Daniel Vogelbach to play first base. Peterson could be looked at platooning at first base with Vogelbach  and backing up Seager at third base however last week they acquired Danny Valencia from the Oakland A’s who can play both first and third base along with the outfield. Valencia is expected to platoon with Vogelbach at first and or in the outfield with Seth Smith. He has seven years of major league experience and has played the majority of his time at third base so can give Seager occasional day off as well.

On Friday the Mariners made a five player trade with the Tampa Bay Rays picking up Taylor Motter and Richie Shaffer for three minor league players. Neither Motter or Shaffer have a lot of major league experience so the Mariners picked them up to add more depth so where this places Peterson not sure at this time.  There is always a possibility he could be involved in any trade the Mariners may make before training camp. Both Motter and Shaffer are right handed hitters who can play first and third base along with the outfield so gives more of a jam along with more competition at the utility player position with Shawn O’Malley being the leading candidate along with Mike Freeman.  Along with Peterson the other players could start the season at triple A.  Only one and at the most two would make the opening roster in April.

The Seattle Seahawks made news this week releasing Christine Michael who was the leading rusher however with the emergence of rookie C.J. Prosise. The first part of the season including training camp Prosise was hurt. The plan for the Seahawks was to use Prosise primarily as the third down back because of his experience as a wide receiver at Notre Dame. He was switched over to running back his senior season.  Along with the return Thomas Rawls the Seahawks felt these two would be what the Seahawks need. Michael on the other hand was picked up by the Green Bay Packers after being released by the Seahawks. The Packers have been in dire need for a running back. Like the Seahawks they have been throwing the ball a lot more than running since they lost their key running backs to injuries.

The Seahawks also resigned running back Troymaine Pope who they had in camp before being released. He had been on the practice squad of the New York Jets however they decided to release and the Seahawks liked him so much before they resigned him. He was added to active roster. He is expected to play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday along with Thomas Rawls. Prosise is expected to be in on more plays however Rawls will be in on about nine or ten plays and Pope may get in a couple times too. The final running back rookie Alex Collins is not expected to play on Sunday but the Seahawks still like what they see in him as well.

The Seahawks should be seeing the return of defensive lineman Michael Bennett in another week so another move will be made at that point. The Seahawks are favored by about seven points however the Eagles should give them a good game. The Seahawks are hoping the running game will get back to where they are accustomed for it to be and not relying so much on the passing game. This should include Russell Wilson feeling healthier as well. So  let’s go Seahawks along with the Mariners!