Mariners Analysis

Sunday, June 27, 2004

M's did what they had to do

In trading Garcia today, the M's front office finally did SOMETHING. Will they go on to regret trading him later on? Perhaps. But with this offense playing the way it has, they really had no choice. Even if Garcia turns into Pedro Martinez on the mound, the M's are generating so little offense we can't concern ourselves with woulda-coulda-shoulda.

How did Bavasi do on his first trade? I think you'd have to say very well. Getting a starting catcher AND a prospect like Reed would have been plenty given Garcia's contract situation. Getting Michael Morse is truly icing on the cake. And getting rid of Ben Davis too? Wow, I'll take it!!

Speaking of which, I'm a little surprised the M's wanted Michael Morse in the trade. I can only assume the M's scouts have seen something beyond the numbers- modest average in AA, poor defense, not much speed, possible attitude problem... will be curious to hear why the M's wanted him. Bavasi after the trade indicated they wanted to boost their depth in the IF, so maybe that's all it is.

Now that this opens a spot on the 40 man roster, will be interested to see who gets on it. I hear they are planning on playing Reed in August. I would love it if we saw a position player already in the M's minor league system get a shot before then. How about Leone? I don't see how the M's can keep ignoring his numbers.

At least with the trade, we have something to write about instead of Cirillo hitting a 3-run home run.