If the season ended today, and it doesn’t, but if it did there would be three teams from the American League West in the playoffs. With the Oakland Athletics leading the way, the Los Angeles Angels right on their heels, and the surprising Seattle Mariners holding steady in that second wildcard spot, the Mariners are looking to add a right-handed power bat to the starting lineup.
Last year, the Mariners finished fourth in the AL West division with a 71-91 record. After a subpar 2013 season, Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik knew that he would need to add a proven commodity to the anemic Seattle offense. In December, Zduriencik did just that when he added left handed power hitter, Robinson Cano.
Now at the 2014 All Star break, the Seattle Mariners are looking to add a right-handed power hitter to go with lefty Cano, preferably at an outfield position or designated hitter where as a team, the Mariners have hit just .197 with eight home runs from the right side of the plate.
Reports indicate that the Mariners have looked into acquiring Royals DH Billy Butler, and Phillies outfielder Marlon Byrd. The team is also looking at Josh Willingham and Dayan Viciedo.
Last week, there were reports that the Mariners sent scouts to check out the 36-year old outfielder Marlon Byrd. Byrd said that he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause if the Mariners are going to guarantee eight million dollars for the team option in 2016.
Rumors have died down a bit about the M’s possibly acquiring Royals designated hitter Billy Butler, but he remains a possibility. Butler is facing career-low numbers this year at .273/.325/.355. However, even with career lows, Butler would still be an upgrade for the Mariners at the DH position.
Josh Willingham has been on the DL for a good chunk of the year, playing in only 50 games this year. Power numbers are a big reason the Mariners are looking to acquire the righty. Willingham, who is under contract through the 2014 season is also 36 years old. It also seems that Willingham is very injury prone, and I’m not so sure that it would be a wise move for Seattle to pursue him. (SIA Alert)
Dayan Viciedo is only 25 years old, and makes more sense for the Mariners. While he does not have an impressive triple slash line at .241/.292/.402, it is again the power numbers that attract the team to Viciedo.
The odd man out is clearly Billy Butler. Billy Butler is the only DH in the group although he does have the ability, although limited, to play first base. Dayan Viciedo makes the most sense for the surging Mariners at the moment. Viciedo is only 25 years old, and is is a left fielder, but can fill in at third base if need be.
Seattle is looking to part ways with second baseman Nick Franklin this season, so he can be used as part of the trade talks. However the Mariners would need to include more than just Franklin if they want any of these hitters. Unless we’re talking Billy Butler, then I’m sure Dayton Moore will jump to that trade in a heartbeat.
Seattle is one of the most surprising teams in the AL this year, and in order to truly baffle people and make it to the playoffs, the Mariners are going to have to go out and get a right-handed hitter to balance out this lefty dominated lineup.
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