Winter Meetings Day 2 Review
While the baseball world has been consumed with the blockbuster Chris Sale trade between the White Sox and Red Sox, the rumors continue to perculate about the hometown Mariners. Lets break down the 3 biggest rumors of Day 2 of the Winter Meetings.
1. Jerry Crasnick of ESPN reported this morning that the Mariners have maintained dialogue with free agent firstbaseman Mike Napoli. Napoli has been linked to the Mariners since early November, but the acquisition of Danny Valencia basically nixed the idea that he was a fit on the roster. Nothing has changed in terms of Valencia, so Napoli still seems like a long shot. Dipoto has stated multiple times that he likes his offense, and is instead focusing on his pitching staff. If Napoli's value continues to plummet, the Mariners could sign him and then shop Dan Vogelbach for some pitching help, but for now, I wouldn't read too much into this.
2. Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune believes that the Mariners are likely to talk to Boston about pitchers Drew Pomeranz and Clay Buchholz. One pitcher is likely on his way out after the acquisition of Chris Sale. Pomeranz was acquired from the Padres in July for talented righty Anderson Espinoza, and is coming off a career year. He threw a career high 170.1 innings, with a 3.32 ERA while averaging more than a strikeout per inning. Pomeranz has a bit of an injury concern, but is just 28 years old and is not a free agent until after the 2018 season.
Clay Buchholz is 32 years old, entering his final season of his current contract, and will make $13.5 million this season. Buchholz has had an up and down career, and is at times one of the best looking pitchers in the big leagues. Buchholz also faces major injury concerns and consistency problems, but if he can put it together, he is a high upside #3 starter that makes sense for the Mariners.
3. The biggest rumor of the day comes from Jim Bowden of ESPN, who reported the Mariners have had "serious" discussions with free agent and 1 time Mariners, Mark Trumbo. This makes little to no sense. Dipoto has yet to sign a position player to a multi-year deal. The Mariners would have to forfeit their first round pick, something Dipoto has often stated he is not willing to do for a good-not-great player. The Mariners appear to be happy with their firstbase situation, and Dipoto would rather trade Edwin Diaz then watch Mark Trumbo play the outfield.
If the Mariners where looking for a first base bat, it stands to reason that they would first look at Chris Carter and Mike Napoli, neither of which will cost Dipoto his first round pick, and will likely make substantially less money with fewer years than Trumbo.
If the Mariners are willing to give up their first rounder, it seems unlikely that Trumbo would be their pick. Edwin Encarnacion, Dexter Fowler, Ian Desmond and Jose Bautista are all better players who will cost marginally more than Trumbo. Overall, this seems like a rumor driven by the players agent, rather than Jerry Dipoto leaking serious interest in a man he has traded twice.
