Michael Saunders Traded To Blue Jays For J.A. Happ

According toESPN’s Jayson Stark, Michael Saunders is going back home to play for the Toronto Blue Jays. The Seattle Mariners receive left-handed starterJ.A. Happin the deal.

The acquisition of Happ, despite having five solid starters, can likely be attributed to the various issues that plagued the Mariner rotation in 2014.Hisashi Iwakuma,James Paxton, andTaijuan Walkerall battled injuries at various times in the season, andRoenis Eliashit his limit early in September. On occasion, Lloyd McLendon would have a “bullpen day” whereTom Wilhelmsenwould pitch the first two or three innings before handing the ball to the rest of the bullpen.

To be honest, I thought the Mariners would be receiving more in return for Michael Saunders (actually, to be completely honest, I thought we should have held on to him!). A young, cheap outfielder, with through-the-roof potential for a 32-year old pitcher who hasn’t had a good season this decade just doesn’t make much sense.

As I predictedwhen the Saunders trade rumors first came out, this move seems like it’s more of a Jack Z overreaction. Happ is 32 years old and hasn’t posted an ERA under 4 in five years. He had his best numbers over that time in 2014, going 11-11 with a 4.22 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP.

He also is on the books for $6.7 million in 2015, and will become a free agent after that.

This trade confirms the notion that Seattle is looking to add a new corner outfielder. With Saunders out of the equation,James Jones,Stefen RomeroandJulio Morbanare the only other OF’s on the roster aside fromAustin JacksonandDustin Ackley.

However, I am of the opinion that the Mariners should be careful about giving up Taijuan Walker or James Paxton. If the M’s can go out and getMatt Kemp,Justin Upton,Yoenis CespedesorCarlos Gonzalezwithout giving either of them up, awesome. But we’ve tried giving up a sure-fire prospect for an established vet before, and now we get to seeAdam Joneson MVP ballots ever year.

Melky CabreraandAlex Rioswould also be solid upgrades in right field without having to part with one fifth of our rotation in 2015 and a future ace.

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