Mariners signing of OF Darren Ford to minor league deal clears way to trade some outfielders

Had to get on a plane a short time ago, but just prior, I told you via Twitter that the Mariners had inked outfielder Darren Ford to a minor league contract. Ford is only 26 and steals a lot of bases while putting up good OBP and walk rates. Oh yeah, he can play center field as well, meaning that while he's strictly minor league depth for now, his presence -- he's been invited to spring training -- allows the M's to contemplate trading one or more of their surplus outfielders at the position. In other words, Michael Saunders, Trayvon Robinson and...yes...Franklin Gutierrez. Now, that latter part depends on how the team views the center field depth chart. We all assume Gutierrez is ahead of both Robinson and Saunders but that could very well depend on how the Mariners forsee Guti's bat in coming seasons. They've put on a brave face so far, but if they ever doubt Gutierrez will show offensive potential, then it's possible the M's would look to shave some ...