A little more than a week has passed, and I’m still elated that Austin Jackson is a Mariner. He’s one of my favorite players in the game (alongside Matt Carpenter and Jonathan Lucroy), and his well-rounded skillset could not be a better fit for Seattle. Certainly, it speaks volumes about the team that Jackson, 27, is considered a veteran in the Mariners clubhouse. This team is so young with so much nuance to learn. To imagine Jackson theorizing about plate discipline with his new teammates makes me plain happy.
Now, as Dustin Ackley convinces us he’s “fixed” again, and Michael Saunders returns from the DL (plus Chris Taylor producing professional at-bats), the Mariners lineup is quickly shaping up. Yet leave it to Mac to say what everyone is thinking:
“We still don’t have that big bopper in the middle of the order.” – Lloyd McClendon, August 4th, 2014
While this statement might hurt Kendrys Morales’ feelings, it’s clear that Team Mariners still greatly desires the power bat. Barring a waiver-trade, though, there’s nothing else the Mariners can do this year to land a “bopper”. All signs point towards 2015.
As everyone knows, the 2015 free agent pool isn’t too inspiring. We might bring back Kendrys, but does he even want to play here? And is he really a “bopper”? Then there’s Nelson Cruz, who’s first two months of 2014 were red-hot. But since June 1st, Cruz has an OPS hovering around .650, which makes you wonder what’s going on.
Other names like Melky Cabrera, Josh Willingham, and Billy Butler are interesting–albeit somewhat flawed–free agents this winter. Players assumed to be available via trade include Matt Kemp, Alex Rios, and of course Marlon Byrd. Again, each name comes with a large asterisk.
So where exactly is this “big bopper” coming from?
I’m not trying to sound derisive. I’m thoroughly curious about how Jack Z plans to fill those shoes.
The Mariners refused to part with top prospects this trade season, which suggests they’ll be hesitant this offseason, too. I suppose ears are always open, but only if a serious “bopper” is in play. (Cue Giancarlo Stanton delusions.)
Is targeting free agents a better strategy, though? How many hitters are going to volunteer to come to Seattle, even if the pay is nice? Being a winning team certainly helps. But I bet it’s harder to bring Melky Cabrera to Seattle than it appears.
Now, I could go back to the idea of trading for Matt Kemp. Nobody in the Mariners blogosphere likes that idea, because hey, he’s only hit 6 home runs in 20 games since the All-Star break. (Sorry, had to.)
What I really hope for, is that Jack Z pulls a “big bopper” that nobody is thinking about. I mean, who the hell knew Austin Jackson was in play? Otherwise, it’s hard to see how this task meets a desired conclusion.
###
Keep up with us on Twitter: @Seatown_Mariner
