2014 Seattle Mariners Roster Feels Incomplete
By Todd Pheifer
Sep 27, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Brad Miller (6, left), shortstop Nick Franklin (20), first baseman Justin Smoak (17) and third baseman Kyle Seager (15) talk during an eighth inning pitching change against the Oakland Athletics at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Why are the Seattle Mariners still being mentioned in a variety of free agent rumors? Simple. This team still has holes.
Truthfully, Jack Zduriencik may be done making deals. This may be the roster that takes the field in April. Until then, we will hear all the words that go with rumors. The Mariners are interested in Nelson Cruz. Seattle is inquiring about Chris Capuano. The M’s are exploring a deal for Ervin Santana.
Rumors are fun, aren’t they?
Yes, rumors are fun, but they can also be a bit frustrating because most of the time they end up being a lot of talk. Talk, talk, talk.
The trouble with rumors at this point is that none of them are terribly exciting. Just about every player has the potential to have an impact, but they could also be an expensive gamble that looks very foolish in the near future.
Unfortunately, the Mariners still have holes and there are a lot of questions.
The outfield is far from determined. Nick Franklin has not been traded, even though it was assumed that he would be moved after Robinson Cano was signed. The back end of the starting rotation needs to be established. It is not yet known if Mike Zunino is ready to be the everyday catcher. Justin Smoak has to prove that he can hit consistently.
Translation? This team feels a bit incomplete. Again, free agents may not be the answer. Fans may just have to wait and see what the Mariners look like at the end of spring training.
It doesn’t help to be pessimistic, but reality can be hard to ignore. The Mariners could use a few more pieces, and at this point they may not be coming.