Seattle Mariners: Trading for Joc Pederson from L.A. – 3 scenarios
By Ed Stein
Jake Matthews – Dodger’s Way, Contributor
“Tough to say… I know (the Dodgers) need someone at Second and they might need someone at catcher (depending on whether they re-sign Grandal). Wonder if (Seattle) would do some kind of trade sending Dee Gordon back to LA with a relief pitcher and a prospect?”
Trading Dee Gordon was never a thought until Jake brought it up. I’m certainly not opposed to the idea. Gordon is a very good player and quite popular, but like most Mariners on the roster is far from untouchable.
A relief pitcher in this deal works too. Seattle can afford to let someone from the bullpen go to make a trade happen, with the exception of Edwin Diaz, Alex Colome and probably James Pazos (good lefty relievers are hard to find).
How it impacts the Seattle Mariners
Pederson could become the leadoff hitter and will get some starts at the top of the batting order. There is a certain appeal, however, to hitting him fourth between Mitch Haniger and a hopefully resigned Nelson Cruz. The more I think about it, due to the decline of Kyle Seager, Seattle needs a lefty power bat in the middle of the lineup.
This would be the likely batting order:
1-Juan Segura (SS), 2-Robinson Cano (2B), 3-Haniger (RF), 4-Pederson (CF), 5-Cruz (DH), 6-Kyle Seager (3B), 7-Ryon Healy (1B), 8-Mike Zunino (C), 9-Ben Gamel/Guillermo Heredia (LF).
That’s pretty good. Sign a decent starting pitcher, and the M’s could be a tough out for any team.