The Seattle Mariners on Thursday
November 7 made a shocking trade with the Miami Marlins picking up second
basemen Dee Gordon for some high draft picks plus a million dollars for
international players allotment. This was to help the Mariners to continue going
after Japan pitcher and hitter Ohtani. At this point the Mariners have the
highest amount of money being a bit over $3 million however on Friday the
Mariners got the bad news where they lost out on Ohtani who decided go to the
Los Angeles Angels. I am sure had more
to do with the city than the team. So now the Mariners have lost the guy they
wanted to get however they did get an all-star player.
With Robinson Cano playing second
base and Segura at shortstop where Gordon played previously the Mariners have
decided to play him in centerfield. Having the speed he has since he lead the
major leagues in stolen bases this last season with sixty I am sure he can make
the move successfully. I figure if former Mariner Chris Taylor can play a good
centerfield for the Dodgers without any prior experience so can Gordon. He is
in the middle of his prime career to being twenty-nine years old. If he has
trouble adjusting to centerfield the Mariners could always move him to left or
right field as well. With his flexibility the Mariners can always play him at
either second or shortstop in case of injury. The thought that Robinson Cano
might be moved to first base Gordon transfer back to second would be easy. Of
course I don’t see that happening for a year or two at the most. Also this most
likely wouldn’t happen until Nelson Cruz is no longer on the team. At that
point the Mariners could move recent acquired first baseman Ryon Healy to first
base however this speculation is down the road anyway. If that does happen I would see Healy playing
some first base still anyway having Cano being designated hitter at times as
well to keep him refreshed.
Now we come to Ohtani. It is a
disappointed that the Mariners were not able to get him especially to a division
rival in the Angels. All we know about Ohtani is what we have heard from Dipoto
and the other teams that have pushed to come after him. Whether he turns out to
be a superstar as a pitcher and hitter only time will tell. His contract as
well may allow the Mariners to pick him up down the road if things don’t work
out in his favor with the Angels.
One thing I do know is that I am
sure that Dipoto isn’t finished yet and he could come up with another surprise
like in Gordon. This time I am sure it would be for a pitcher. I am sure he is
in the works to get a starting pitcher however a relief pitcher would be nice
as well. The Mariners still have the $3 million plus to go after an
international player as well. The Mariners have to spend that money before the
deadline in June to sign a player so I am sure they have a backup plan to do
so.
We do hope that we can get a nice present
for Christmas with an outstanding pitcher. It wouldn’t surprise me if it
happens soon since Dipoto seems to strike when the fire is hot. Go M’s.
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