Recently we've seen some roster shakeups, heard rumors of another impending change, and been reminded that Jack Z is actively searching for ways to improve the team. In lieu of facts, it's time for rampant speculation. Guidelines for safe rosterbation: 1) When suggesting a trade, be realistic. Don't say Kotchman for Pujols. Also, keep in mind which prospects and players the Mariners will likely never trade. If you think someone is genuinely worth trading Ichiro for, then by all means share. Don't just propose trading Ichiro! willy nilly. 2) If you want the Mariners to trade for someone but would rather not try to put together a trade package (or you're advocating a callup), tell us how the player you want would help the team win now or in the future. 3) Be nice. If someone is doing it wrong, politely tell us how it's done properly. For example, if someone is suggesting an unrealistic trade, suggest a different trade package that works better. Don't just shoot it down, make it work if you can. If you can't, tell us why you don't think it can work. Here's some previously discussed players and moves to talk about for starters: Russell Branyan 1B/DH, Indians Jose Guillen DH/OF, Royals Kila Ka’aihue 1B/DH, Royals Lance Berkmam 1B/DH/OF?, Astros Allen Craig 1B/DH/OF, Cardinals Alex Gordon 3B, Royals (Lopez for Gordon straight up?) ... list will grow.

Allowing Branyan to seek other employment after his very good 2009 with the Mariners was a good choice this past offseason. We thought he was asking for too much given the injury risk, and the market proved us right. But now, maybe it's time to bring him back. The Indians don't seem particularly enamored with him, and there are rumors that he might be available via trade. How would Mr. Branyan fit on this team? Griffey's time here is (mercifully for both parties) coming to an end soon, so Branyan would be our lefty DH right now. He would immediately be an upgrade, as he (unlike Griffey) can still hit the ball to the moon. Perhaps more important is the flexibility he offers. He can play a decent 1B and can do OF or 3B in a pinch. If we bring him in, we essentially create a competition between Kotchman and Saunders/Langerhans to see who deserves playing time. If Kotchman brings more value, then Branyan stays at DH and Bradley plays the outfield most days. I like this setup because neither Bradley or Branyan are long-term solutions. Yes, Bradley is likely to get dinged up in LF a bit, but having a cheap and productive Kotchman at 1st for years to come (with Saunders starting in left from next year onward and the better of Bradley/Branyan/option C at DH) is the better option long-term for the team. On the other hand if Kotchman just doesn't hit well enough to warrant playing time at first, then he's not a long term solution there. In that case, we would move Branyan to first and get the Saunders party started early with Bradley getting his PAs at DH. Acquiring Branyan also prepares the team for the possible Total Mitlon Meltdown. In this case, Branyan DHs while Kotchman (or Carp if Kotchman is gone by then) plays first and Saunders gets most starts in LF. I think picking up Branyan (again) after Griffey gracefully retires soon would be a very shrewd move. I'd love to hear what you all think.

Poll

Would you like to see Branyan in a Mariners uniform again?

21%

Very much so

67 votes

43%

Yes, but we can address our needs more effectively with someone else

132 votes

34%

No thanks

106 votes

305 votes | Poll has closed

This is Dustin Ackley.  Let's hope he looks less silly as a Mariner...

via www.keeperleaguegm.com

I'm really liking where this organization could be in a couple years.  We have Guti, who's very busy showing how great of an all-around player he is.  We could easily lock up Kotchman, and I think we should in a couple months if he's still playing this well (keep hitting it in the air, Casey!).  We have Adam Moore, who could be a league average hitter as a catcher (which we all know is VERY good for the position), and we of course have King Felix, lord of the mound.

Now think of who's waiting in the wings.  We don't have a lot of high-end talent, but we have it where we need it.  Dustin Ackley could be Chase Utley Jr at 2B, Michael Saunders is one of the few prospects in all of baseball who could end up a 30-30 guy out in LF, and I haven't given up on Carlos Triunfel at SS.  And I don't know about you guys, but I like the idea of Tui at 3B.  If Tui can give us above average production at 3rd, we can trade Lopez for a decent SP prospect (someone who projects to be a #3 in a few years or, if we're lucky, a #2) and push Chone Figgins to a super-utility role for the remainder of his contract.

That's likely above average production (possibly star-quality production) at 7 of 9 spots from cheap young talent.  If Ichiro can stay Ichiro for the next 5 years, we could have a very inexpensive, very productive lineup.  That means we would have money to spend on the Clif Lees of this world.  Not this coming offseason probably, but three or so years down the road.  And we would have had several years to develop Jack Z's first few years of draft choices, which could provide us with more exciting young talent.

Is anyone else this optimistic?  Am I hoping for too much from too many unknowns?  Are there any prospects I've missed?  Please discuss.

Today, AL MVP Joe Mauer signed an eight-year, $184 million dollar deal with the Twins. While this doesn't guarantee that he would stay a Twin his entire career, it does mean the Twins will retain his services throughout his prime (up until his age 35 season). I don't want to discuss the specifics of the deal or what it means for the Twins. Fangraphs has that covered. What I want to do is have a discussion about what this means for an extension for Albert. My take is after the break.

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