Mariners News and Links

Jun 6, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) throws against the Cleveland Indians during the seventh inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 6, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) throws against the Cleveland Indians during the seventh inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Mariners are in the middle of a four-game series against the Cleveland Fightin’ Franconas. Here’s a look at some more news from the Zeitgiest.

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The Mariners have made moves during their recent slide from first place in the American League West, including sticking with James Paxton, which paid off last night against the Indians (even if it didn’t show in the final score). If Pax can stay healthy and log some innings this year, he could be the missing piece the Mariners rotation needs to retake the division and succeed in October.

With the Mariners looking an awful lot like buyers at the trade deadline, the rumor mills have begun to churn and a few interesting names already involved. I’ll have more on who they could or should trade for as we get closer to July, but I doubt Jerry Dipoto and company would deal the few decent farm hands they have left for a rent-a-player.

Based on Dipoto’s first offseason with the Mariners, full of seemingly minor moves like acquiring Leonys Martin for Tom Wilhemsen, I doubt he’ll try to make a Jack Z-esque flail for a starting pitcher or an outfielder. However, he could very well come to an agreement on a needed bat or arm for a reasonable price if the Mariners find themselves within shouting distance of the Rangers in late July.

Meanwhile, the Mariners promoted one of their top prospects last weekend, Edwin Diaz. Diaz struck out one in his first major league inning last night against Cleveland, hitting 101 mph on the radar gun. I doubt the Mariners will squander Diaz’s talents the way they did with Brandon Morrow, so an arm like his, even in the bullpen this season, is exciting.

Next: J'Marcus Webb Injured in Practice

The Mariners have to get more consistent run prevention from their starting rotation, which has been hit around in recent games. They can’t afford to have slip-ups at inopportune times against top-notch competition.