3 MORE MOVES

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The Mariners inexplicably made a move to become a worse team by trading John Jaso (their best hitter) for Mike Morse, a sometimes healthy “power” bat that is really bad at defense and running the bases. This move makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. On a few different levels the Dodgers can actually benefit from the Mariners management futility.

Dec 6, 2011; Dallas, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik answers questions on the MLB.com set during the MLB winter meetings at Hilton Anatole. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

We still have, by my estimation, 3 more spots to fill on the roster.

Even though we have already signed all the remaining free agent catchers to minor league deals, George Kottaras has been made available by the A’s after acquiring Jaso. Had I known Jaso was available for the equivalent of Tony Gwynn Jr. I would have proposed long ago that we make that deal. Kotteras is a good hitter from the left side and can play a little catcher. In my opinion, he’ not really good at it actually catching, whereas Jaso is probably a top 10 hitting catcher in the game. Because of the Mariners (insert funny quip about them being stupid here), the Dodgers can capitalize and nab Kottaras for peanuts. Aaron Harang anyone?

Aug 17, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; MLB: Seattle Mariners catcher Miguel Olivo (30) is greeted in the dugout after hitting a solo-homer against the Minnesota Twins during the second inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

But it doesn’t end there.

While Morse will be playing (mostly) everyday in the outfield the Mariners now have Franklin Gutierrez in center, Jason Bay in right (I guess?) Raul Ibanez at DH (I guess?), and Michael Saunders as the 4th outfielder of the group. After all this, Casper Wells has nowhere to go! Not to mention Mike Carp and Eric Thames! In the Dodgers should swoop.

Jul 28, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Casper Wells (33) hits the ball during the game against the Kansas City Royals at Safeco Field. Seattle defeated Kansas City 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The Mariners need one more starter to their rotation and why shouldn’t we trade Chris Capuano to them? Because we can probably send them Aaron Harang and Ted Lilly instead. My bet is: Casper Wells has a better year than Morse and Bay combined. We at Lasordas Lair have long cooed for a player to compliment Andre Ethier after his very pronounced deficiency against lefties and Wells would fit nicely as a 4th outfielder. He can also play all 3 outfield positions pretty good and has a passable arm.

The last move.

Sign Scott Rolen to whatever contract he wants. If only because it means we get rid of Juan Uribe, for the love of all that is good an holy, release Juan Uribe!

Casper Wells, Scott Rolen, and a catcher.