Seattle Mariners: What to Do with these Guys?
Chris Phillips
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The Seattle Mariners have seven players that can play anywhere. However, they’re not great at one specific position.
The Seattle Mariners have a group of players who can play multiple positions well. However, none of them play one position great. So, what does Scott Servais and possibly Jerry Dipoto need to do with these guys? Whenever anyone is talking about players and Dipoto, in the same sentence, trading always comes up in conversation.
The players in question are Dylan Moore, Shed Long Jr., Jake Fraley, Jake Bauers, Taylor Trammell, Ty France, and Jarred Kelenic. Of this group, only the true outfielders, Fraley, Trammell, and Kelenic, play one position. The rest play both infield and outfield, while only Moore plays multiple infield positions. Right now, all these guys are getting some run. But what happens when Fraley returns?
The Outfield
Regarding Evan White‘s return, he’s done for the year. The hope is he can be ready for spring training. However, Kelenic was hitting well in Tacoma, and earned himself a return visit to Seattle. Unfortunately, Fraley got COVID and isn’t eligible to return until July 26th. Trammell was optioned to the minors on July 11th.
Looking over last week’s outfield production, we see that Mitch Haniger hit .227 average, two home runs, five RBI, with three walks to six strikeouts. After AL Player of the week honors, Haniger is scuffling a bit. Have to wonder if the foul ball to his knee is still bothering him. However he is playing good defense, overall. So, are Fraley and Trammell.
However, Trammell looks more like a 4A or defensive replacement type of player. It’s not good that he’s losing playing to an infielder. He’s still young, so there is still time to develop. So, nobody can definitively say he’s a bench guy or a starter. He appears to have a positive attitude throughout everything this year, which can only help him in the long run. Until his latest COVID stint Fraley was showing promise. Getting him back will be a boost. What does his return do to the lineup?