Rob Neyer analyzes the Mariners-Indians trade, in which Seattle acquires an aging veteran. Seattle bring back Russell Branyan for two minor leaguers:
In addition to that promising young outfielder (Carrera), the infielder (Diaz) isn’t exactly chopped liver, either; he wasn’t listed among the Mariners’ notable prospects this spring, but he’s only 21, has been solid for two straight seasons in the California League, and seems to have at least a moderately decent shot at someday making the majors.
But just moderately. And Carrera, who played well enough last year in Double-A to establish himself as a decent prospect, is hitting .268/.339/.315 this year in Triple-A. He’s 23 with room to grow, but didn’t figure to beat Ichiro Suzuki or Franklin Gutierrez or even Michael Saunders out of a job anytime soon.
Jack Zduriencik says he wants this team to experience winning this year. Seattle is currently 13 games out of the wild card, 14 games out of the division. With all the rumors swirling around Cliff Lee, I’m wondering if Seattle will really pull the trigger on that deal. The team is starting to play well, and with Texas’s sale up in the air, I wonder if Zduriencik thinks a comeback is possible. The team is much more likely to win with Lee than without him. Instead of trading Cliff, do they sign him? Or is Zduriencik just betting on a long shot?
Interesting! As an M’s fan, I wondered why they didn’t re-sign Branyan. Perhaps he can help with both the bat and in the clubhouse?
Mariners have finally recognized the value of the HR. Never understood why they let Branyan go. He is among active leaders in HR/AB.
Getting on base is important, but the only thing that always changes the scoreboard is the RBI, via HR or whatever. In low scoring games, it is usually the team that hits the HR that wins.