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Inbox: Will Mariners be players at Deadline?
- Updated: July 28, 2016
Do you anticipate any major action prior to the Trade Deadline? — Mark S., Seattle
Not sure what your definition of “major” might be, but I certainly expect the Mariners to be involved in further trades before Monday’s 1 p.m. PT non-waiver Trade Deadline. Jerry Dipoto clearly isn’t shy about making moves and is looking to upgrade the team both for the final two months and the future. He’s had four months to see how things are playing out, and he already has made two deals in the past week after being the busiest GM in baseball last winter.
I think there’s a decent chance they make a big-splash move, something like acquiring Jay Bruce from the Reds to boost the left-field production, though that will require giving up one or more of their top prospects since the 29-year-old is enjoying a big rebound season and Cincinnati would be selling high. The Mariners still feel they’re in contention at six games back of Texas in the American League West and 4 1/2 out of a Wild Card berth, heading into Thursday’s games, but Dipoto will have an eye beyond this season as well, and Bruce fits that mold since he has a club option for $13 million next season.
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Even if a big trade like that doesn’t materialize, expect Dipoto to make other deals to continue upgrading wherever he can. Dipoto has always been willing to deal prospects in the right scenario, and Wade Miley and Adam Lind are both veterans who could also be moved without giving up on this season, since Nathan Karns or Wade LeBlanc and newly acquired Dan Vogelbach are potential fill-ins. Miley’s start this Saturday at Wrigley figures to be key as he’s pitched a little better his last two outings and the numerous teams looking for starting pitching will want to get another look.
Has Mike Zunino replaced Chris Iannetta as the starting catcher for the time being? — Jeff A., Roseville, Calif.
Zunino has started five of the last six games, so that speaks pretty loudly. Two factors: Iannetta seemed to wear down after being one of the most-used catchers in the …
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