With their series sweep over the Diamondbacks, the Mariners are now only 2.5 games behind the division leading Rangers. Suddenly, this division has gone from an impossible goal to a realistic possibility. Baseball Prospectus's PECOTA has the Mariners odds of making the playoffs at around 18.8%. That doesn't make us front runners, but it's certainly a far cry from last year's mediocrity and is something to be excited about.
The question the Mariners should be asking themselves is what they can do to improve those odds. The answer to this team's problems may not be a simple question of buying or selling.
First, if the Mariners are going to prepare for a serious run at contention, they need to look at their biggest holes. Without a doubt, the Mariners need help in the outfield, at shortstop, and at catcher. That doesn't mean that they can't improve elsewhere, but improving here wouldn't be so difficult. However, simply a league average player at each of these positions could be the difference between AL West champs and a third place finish.
However, just because the Mariners are looking for help doesn't require that they lose focus of the future. The Mariners don't need to look at the usual trade deadline chips, and they shouldn't give up younger talent to acquire some established veteran name to propel them to the championship.
So what should they do? What got them to this point: seeking out players who can perform on the field but who for some reason haven't been given the opportunity. Surprisingly, these players aren't always so difficult to find, and they can be acquired cheaply. They may not have names that get fans excited, but who knows who could be the next Russell Branyan?
Of course, the Mariners can also look internally for help. Guys like Micheal Saunders and Jeff Clement could come up to the majors and make an impact this year. Even players like Prentice Redman and Chris Shelton, who aren't long term prospects, could come to Seattle and perform.
The Mariners are at a point where adding talent to the big league club would be wise. They may not be the team making the biggest splash in the buying market, but don't expect them to be quiet either.
Original Story:
http://www.seatownsports.net/2009/06/...
The question the Mariners should be asking themselves is what they can do to improve those odds. The answer to this team's problems may not be a simple question of buying or selling.
First, if the Mariners are going to prepare for a serious run at contention, they need to look at their biggest holes. Without a doubt, the Mariners need help in the outfield, at shortstop, and at catcher. That doesn't mean that they can't improve elsewhere, but improving here wouldn't be so difficult. However, simply a league average player at each of these positions could be the difference between AL West champs and a third place finish.
However, just because the Mariners are looking for help doesn't require that they lose focus of the future. The Mariners don't need to look at the usual trade deadline chips, and they shouldn't give up younger talent to acquire some established veteran name to propel them to the championship.
So what should they do? What got them to this point: seeking out players who can perform on the field but who for some reason haven't been given the opportunity. Surprisingly, these players aren't always so difficult to find, and they can be acquired cheaply. They may not have names that get fans excited, but who knows who could be the next Russell Branyan?
Of course, the Mariners can also look internally for help. Guys like Micheal Saunders and Jeff Clement could come up to the majors and make an impact this year. Even players like Prentice Redman and Chris Shelton, who aren't long term prospects, could come to Seattle and perform.
The Mariners are at a point where adding talent to the big league club would be wise. They may not be the team making the biggest splash in the buying market, but don't expect them to be quiet either.
Original Story:
http://www.seatownsports.net/2009/06/...
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