Hardball via Hardcore's 2019 Seattle Mariners Offseason Plan: Hardcore Changes after a Hard Luck Season.

  By Stevil, September 22nd, 2018

Local artists carve out the Mariner Moose as seen at Alki Beach, drowning himself in sorrow following news of Seattle's official elimination from post-season contention. Photo from animalia-life.club.

 

Throughout the 2018 offseason, and the 2018 regular season, I listened to one person after another suggest that the Mariners needed to reach the postseason now, because things don't look pretty for them moving forward. One well-known blogger suggested they were destined to “fall off a cliff” given the state of their farm, aging players, committed salary, and lack of pitching. It wasn't hard to understand why some people had come to this conclusion, but I disagreed. What I saw was an acrylic-thin farm, but with just enough to help maintain the outfield, first base and the bullpen within the next 2-3 years, and plenty of team control spread around to buy time. The big question was whether or not there was enough talent on the roster to end the postseason drought, and throughout the first half, it appeared that there was.

Then the one-run wins that propelled Seattle early gave way to multi-run losses after the break. Kyle Seager, Mike Zunino, Ryon Healy, Dee Gordon, and Guillermo Heredia all struggled to get on base or offer productive PA's, and with the bullpen starting to get banged up, there was no longer room for any stagnant bats. Though Denard Span proved to be helpful, Cameron Maybin wasn't, and Maybin's presence led to Ben Gamel's unjust and puzzling demotion. Further, Adam Warren and Zack Duke struggled upon their arrival, and Sam Tuivailala was lost for the season with a ruptured achilles tendon after just 5 appearances.

Nothing seemed to be going right. Shuffling the lineup helped a bit with Gamel and Canó eventually back into the fold, but it was too little, too late. Seattle never recovered, while Oakland seemed to be winning every hand they were dealt. This all led to one incredibly disappointing season, extending the postseason drought to 17 years, and by all appearances, it looks like the Mariners are on the edge of that cliff.

So, Jerry Dipoto will enter the off-season with a ton of work to do. There should be an emphasis on shaving off at least a little salary (so he can spend more), finding front-line starting pitching, overhauling the offense and strengthening the depth. The way to do that, according to the experts in the A.S.A.A.D. (Advanced Statistical Analysis and Assessment Department) at Hardball via Hardcore, is to bring in international professionals along with a rebound project or two. Free agency can help, as well as the trade route, but we know Jerry prefers to avoid overpaying for flawed free agents and doesn't have a lot of chips in way of prospects to exchange, so creativity will be imperative. 

Yes, things are a little tight and complicated. He actually had the nerve to ask me for loan with an “I Owe You” written on the back of an expired coupon. He signed it and suggested the autograph held value. I told him the value was clearly printed on the coupon: “cash value 1/20th of 1 cent”... when it was still valid.

The bottom line is that Seattle can't likely afford to keep their 2018 roster perfectly intact—financially, or otherwise—and the players most fans wouldn't mind seeing moved would be incredibly difficult or impossible to move. So, we'll look at players that should be movable and players who should be acquirable, while reassessing what to do with the rest. Simple, right?

Without further delay, here's my list of targets...

Via International Market:

1. Yusei Kikuchi, LHSP, Japan; 6 years, 60 million +incentives.

Yusei Kikuchi has a plus fastball he throws mid to upper 90's, complemented by a slider, curve, changeup, and he's been tinkering with a two-seamer. He caught the attention of the Mariners' scouting department out of high school, so he—without question—should still be on their radar and high on their wish-list as he has the make up of a front-line starting pitcher.

Yusei is expected to be posted this coming offseason and won't be restricted to international spending limits. All of the reasoning presented over why Shohei Ohtani might have chosen Seattle applies here. There's an argument that this is a second opportunity for Jerry, perhaps one with better odds.

For the record, I may very well be grossly underestimating his value (or overestimating it). If more dough is necessary, perhaps a back-loaded deal could get done, but Yusei should be Plan A for a starter. Tomoyuki Sugan or Takahiro Norimoto would make a nice alternative. Signing all three would be even better, but we'll try to keep this realistic.

2. Tetsuto Yamada, 2B, Japan; 6 years, 18 million, +incentives.

Tetsuto Yamada is an athletic 2nd baseman for the Yakult Swallows and has been known as the “Japanese Mike Trout”. That should get your attention, even if it is a tad ridiculous. He actually looks more like Matt Olson in the batters' box, but more importantly, he can hit.

Yamada's an above average defender and a serious offensive threat with power who controls the zone, though his elevated leg-kick will probably need some refinement for MLB. He had some trouble with his back after a beaning in 2016, which is the likely culprit of a down year in 2017. But he has rebounded nicely and appears to have those issues behind him. He's not as flashy defensively as Ryosuke Kikuchi (who would make a nice alternative), but he's captivating none the less.

If you're curious where Seattle is going to find a ready-now replacement infielder for Robinson Canó not named Gordon without overspending, Tetsuto could prove to be the answer. Canó probably has another year in him at second base (maybe more than a year), but keeping his bat in the lineup as a second baseman with his hamstrings would be challenging. So, moving him to first base sooner, rather than later, would probably be a good idea. That would allow Ryon Healy to work on some much needed adjustments in Tacoma, which was what I had hoped to see out of spring in 2018. Better late than never.

Like Kikuchi, Yamada is expected to be posted this offseason. Though they'll be subject to the new posting system, both players should be affordable, even if my proposals are well off the mark. Italian translators would be needed, but that's just a detail.

3. Po-Jung Wang, OF, Taiwan; 6 years, 15 million +incentives.

Update: Po-Jung Wang will be posted and subjected to international spending limits. The Hardball via Hardcore staff member who was responsible for gathering posting information on CPBL players has since had his hair and eyebrows shaved off as standard disciplinary procedure. We, the staff, take the posting of information here very seriously and apologize for any inconvenience that may have been caused.

Po-Jung Wang has put up ridiculous numbers for the Lamigo Monkeys of the CPBL, collecting all the awards and breaking nearly every offensive record for his age along the way, some paralleling those of Ichiro. Though there's an argument that the competition is weak in the CPBL, and it is, he's passed every test he's faced and destroyed Japanese competition in international play. He's destroyed pretty much everyone he's faced. He's the reigning quadruple-crown winner of the CPBL and has the killer instincts the Mariners need.

As a young left-handed hitting corner outfielder capable of handling center with a plus hit tool (I say so), a ton of raw power and plenty of patience, Wang could be a huge asset in short order. The idea would be to start him in AA or AAA, as he may need to make some adjustments to handle MLB-quality breaking balls and could benefit from being eased into elite competition, but the potential to become an impact player is there and it wouldn't surprise me if he was able to start contributing immediately. His bat flips alone would stir some excitement, though I'd prefer he tones that skill down a notch or three.

The belief seems to be that he will play in the NPB. But if he has aspirations of playing in MLB, he probably knows the road through Japan is a long one. Coming straight from Taiwan might be his best bet and what city is more welcoming to the international community than Seattle? Yoshitomo Tsutsugo and Seong-Beom Na would be good alternatives to consider.

Via Free Agency:

1. A.J. Ellis, C; 1 year, 2 million.

The bar was set incredibly low for Zunino offensively in 2018, but he excelled at limbo while his K% skyrocketed. His defense still makes him a solid backstop, but Seattle can't afford to have him dancing around at the plate when they need a steady bat.

A.J. Ellis is a seasoned veteran who offers excellent leadership, strong defense, and solid PA's. At age 38, he's best suited for a part-time role, but that may be all that Seattle needs from him. Matchups would dictate the use of both players, but the general idea would be to turn to Ellis early and often when Seattle's desperate for more than just defense. He isn't likely going to repeat the performance he had in 2018, but he wouldn't have to. 

Chris Herrmann, who is still under control for another year, but out of options, would likely end up a DFA casualty in this scenario (or a trade chip), though I would hope to see him clear waivers and accept an outright assignment to Tacoma. David Freitas still has options, so there would be depth, regardless, though they could ink a prospective minor league free agent, such as Wynston Sawyer, if they were to lose Herrmann and wanted more catching depth with the positional flexibility Chris offers.

2. A.J. Pollock, CF; 3 years, 36 million +incentives, +option.

A.J. number 2 in this plan has had durability issues throughout his career and 2018 was no exception. To make things worse, he struggled in the second half as the Diamondbacks slipped out of postseason contention. This was not likely how he envisioned ending the season or entering the free agent market. His situation wasn't as ugly as Donaldson's, but nonetheless imperfect.

However, this may present an opportunity for Seattle. He's still a solid defender when on the field and his late-season slump might even give Arizona pause for thought over extending the qualifying offer his way. I'm assuming he'll still get it, but I don't think that would be a deal-breaker. Regardless, an incentive-laden deal with a high base salary would seem both fair and lucrative, based on games played or plate appearances to push the total up 3-6 million.

Via Trade:

1. Alex Colomé, RHRP, and Juan Nicasio, RHRP, to St. Louis; Daniel Poncedeleon, RHSP, to Seattle.

Alex Colomé was a huge, early pick-up for Seattle in 2018. But he's due for a significant raise in his second year of arbitration eligibility. Juan Nicasio, whom they're already familiar with and made a valid effort to bring back in 2018, battled an issue with his knee throughout most of 2018 that eventually led to surgery. Despite the ugly ERA, he missed a lot of bats and walked few without a decline in velocity. He should rebound well, but with Matt Festa and Art Warren both being groomed for late-inning roles and Dan Altavilla breaking out (somewhat) and healthy again, those two are expendable. St. Louis' bullpen would benefit immensely, especially if they are unable to retain Bud Norris, or simply wish to go a different route.

Daniel Poncedeleon was a reserve starter for the Cardinals and remains low on their depth chart despite doing everything asked of him. He throws mid-90's with a strong cutter and a solid curve and changeup. Like Dakota Hudson (whom I would admittedly prefer), he's induced a lot of ground balls in the minors. His command isn't as consistent as you would like to see, but it's improving and he doesn't get hit hard. He probably has a ceiling of a mid-rotation starter and a floor of a solid back-end starter or long-reliever. Seattle needs a solid reserve to lean on when injury strikes. Poncedeleon should be able to answer the call.

This would be a win for both clubs, with Seattle benefiting from fleecing yet another starter out of St. Louis in a semi-salary dump that gives the Cards' a closer and/or set up option(s), addressing an area of weakness from an area of strength. Cue the sarcasm from Cardinal fans.

2. Dan Vogelbach, DH/1B, to Kansas City; Richard Lovelady, LHRP, to Seattle.

Dan Vogelbach has done just about everything asked of him offensively, but has left much to be desired with the glove. He's now out of options and in need of a regular role as a DH or part-time first baseman. I can think of few better places than Kansas City, and if the one-year difference in control was an issue, they could have Ryan Cook as a throw-in.

Apart from having a great name, Richard Lovelady is an excellent left-handed relief prospect who appears to be ripe for a promotion. He would fill the need vacated by Zach Duke and offers a plus fastball in the mid to upper 90's along with a slider that's looking more and more like a plus pitch. He shuts down RHH's effectively and consistently, and he can offer a couple of innings each pop if needed.

For those still whining about the Mike Montgomery trade, this would be a move that should settle your nerves. KC might even throw in a year's supply of antacid pills just for good measure.

3. Jack Anderson, RHRP, to New York AL; Raynel Espinal, RHP, to Seattle.

A deal with the devil never sits well with fans, but Cashman and the Evil Empire are ripe for exploitation, and Jerry has had their number on speed-dial.

Raynel Espinal is a AAA reliever with Scranton who has nothing left to really prove. He's offered multi-inning outings out of the 'pen while missing bats and walking few, and as he's likely going to be Rule 5 eligible, it would make sense for NY to move him before he gets snatched. Seattle would obviously have to add him to their 40-man roster, which might squeeze out someone like Casey Lawrence, but somehow I think fans would get over it.

Jack Anderson has quietly missed bats and walked few as well and should find himself climbing the ladder quickly. His status should also appeal to an organization with 40-man issues. Any reservations should be cleared out with one look at his K/BB.

This deal more or less represents a classic Dipoto-esque swap of lower-level talent for upper-level talent as we've become accustomed to seeing, addressing needs for both respective teams. High-fives and hugs would follow, then the tears (of joy).

4. Dee Gordon, 2B/SS/CF, Nick Vincent, RHRP, and 7 million (2019-2020) to Milwaukee; Domingo Santana, OF, to Seattle.

Dee Gordon is likeable. Moving him has less to do with how he struggled to get on base in 2018 and more to do with his salary. I believe the issue with his toe and the in-season switch back to second base and bouncing around largely explains the poor showing offensively. Losing him would arguably be a blow to the team morale, but cutting salary is a must and Milwaukee is in need of a solid middle-infielder. Though free agency offers plenty of alternatives, I don't think many of them offer as much as Gordon does collectively (well, unless you consider Machado an actual shortstop), and if a few million went with him, his salary would be more than affordable for a Brewers' club with little on the books for 2019. Milwaukee's infield situation will likely get even more desperate once opponents realize how vulnerable Travis Shaw is to the shift.

Nick Vincent proved to be a productive steal for Seattle. He was a little inconsistent in 2018 and is due for a raise, but he's still a respectable reliever and would represent an upgrade over Jordan Lyles, whose option is almost certain to be declined.

Domingo Santana had a nerve-racking offseason as the subject of many trade rumors in which Milwaukee was clearly shopping him for pitching. No deal was reached though, and he started the season with the Brewers only to find himself demoted after a slow start. That may not sound appealing for Mariner fans, but Domingo has proven himself as a power-hitting corner outfielder who can take a walk, and despite that ugly start on the surface, he was productive when batting 5^th. Milwaukee chose to move him around, which could explain the inconsistency when you weigh everything collectively. I say let him bat 5^th for Seattle.

Domingo's a strong candidate for a rebound and comes with 3 years of control and a grudge. I'm actually guessing about the grudge, but he should have one and he should hold it against the Angels, rather than the Brewers. I'll think of a reason in due time. Meanwhile, both clubs would get something they need if this deal were to go through. 

If Milwaukee were to demand more, you give them more, whether it be cash or talent. Santana could prove to be the steal of the offseason if he's made available.

5. Roenis Elias, LHP, to Baltimore; Jonathan Villar, INF, to Seattle.

Elias was a nice reserve pitcher for Seattle before becoming a nice reserve pick up for Seattle. He wasn't the only Mariner to be shipped off, then reacquired, but he's now out of options and there isn't a clear, immediate need for him in Seattle for 2019. Best served as a long-reliever, but capable of starting, he could help Baltimore bridge the gap between now and their next relevant team. He comes with three years of control and a beautiful smile at a low cost. Dental hygiene is underrated in baseball, but not at Hardball via Hardcore.

Jonathan Villar fell out of favor with Milwaukee and was shipped off with a couple of prospects in a somewhat puzzling trade for a player with the same first name. While cannabis use within the front office of Milwaukee remains a possible explanation, Villar makes little sense for a Baltimore team that needs a minimum of three years before jumping back into contention. They could hand the daily duties to Jace Peterson, who is still under control for three years and save themselves some cash in the process.

As a switch-hitter with above average speed and defensive flexibility, Villar would make a nice upgrade over Andrew Romine for Seattle in 2019. Another prospect might be necessary to facilitate a deal, but it wouldn't likely be anyone significant. Jonathan's K% has always been high, but it's still lower than Romine's, and while a player with better plate discipline would be preferred, the positives here outweigh the negatives and at an affordable cost for Seattle. When you can't afford a Whit Merrifield, you improvise.

With Seager looking like a train wreck at the plate, having a competent alternative to turn to with a game on the line is a must. Yandy Díaz would be an interesting, potential permanent replacement in what could prove to be a heralding doghouse rescue from Cleveland, but we'll keep it simple for now and focus on picking Dan Duquette's pocket.

Extensions:

1. David Phelps, RHRP; 1 year, 1.5 million, +incentives, +team option.

David Phelps never got the chance to prove himself as the setup man for Seattle, but he has the right attitude and had he not needed surgery, there wouldn't likely have been a need to acquire Colomé. The recovery time for Tommy John surgery suggests he'll be more effective mid-season, or in 2020, but there's a very real possibility he'll be able to contribute right away, even if he's simply bringing his teammates iced coffee drinks and giving shoulder rubs. Value comes in many ways. 

2. Nelson Cruz, DH; 2 years, 30 million +vesting options.

Cruz has defied the odds and remains one of the most dangerous bats in the game. He has been crucial for Seattle's offense and worth far more than he's made. So, giving him a couple more years with additional vesting options makes sense, and it would be money well spent for lineup security and sleepless-night prevention. 

In the event that Nellie would prefer to go elsewhere, or Seattle isn't smart enough to bring him back, an extra fielder should be carried (Wang) with DH duties rotated. The extra dough, in that scenario, should be spent on Yasmani Grandal, though I'm confident it wouldn't be.

Options Declined:

1. Denard Span.

At age 35 and at the expense of 12 million, there simply isn't room for Denard. There may not even be room for the Moose in 2019. Vendors at Safeco started serving grasshoppers because the cost of making garlic fries was getting so ridiculous. Give that some thought.

Minor League Free Agents:

1. Josh Fuentes, 3B.

Josh Fuentes is one of the best—if not the best—defensive third base prospects in the upper-minors, which is an area where Seattle could use some depth, given Seager's rapid decline. Josh also happens to swing a decent bat, though he could stand to be more selective and take more walks. Strikeouts aren't a problem—yet—but his Swg% is high for a guy who hasn't been aggressive on first pitches, which suggests he should probably make a change to his approach. I'm assuming Colorado doesn't bother to add him to their 40 since he can't play short, though I had assumed Ian Desmond wasn't on their radar a few years ago, so what do I know? 

2. Gordon Beckham, INF.

Gordon, once a first round draft pick, hasn't had the career he probably envisioned, but he's hung around and has served as a quality reserve infielder for Seattle the last couple of years. In 2018 he slashed .302/.400/.458 for AAA Tacoma, which may not mean much to fans, but for an organization thin on middle-infielders, there are few alternatives that look better. Andrew Romine might be a possibility as well, but it would be nice to have more than just a glove in a pinch.

3. Ryan Weber, RHP.

Fans might recall Ryan Weber's first round with the Mariners ending in catastrophe. He had pitched brilliantly in Tacoma, finally getting an opportunity in mid-May (2017), only to leave after three and two-thirds innings in his first start due to a shoulder injury. He missed the rest of the season, and for whatever reason, Seattle decided not to keep him around, despite a shortage of interesting starting pitchers in the upper-minors. Well, he bounced back in 2018, pitching well with AAA Durham. He's not on Tampa's 40-man roster and should be available once again through free agency. He still has an option, so he could be added to the roster and shuttled between Seattle and Tacoma as needed, though compensation may be necessary to woo him back to the Pacific Northwest after the 2017 snubbing. Personally, I would demand free “Quickie Too” meals twice a day—daily—while in Tacoma.  

4. Henry Ramos, OF. 

Henry started his professional career in Boston's organization before signing with Los Angeles in 2017. He made some noise in AA and eventually made his way back up to the AAA level, where he has been ever since. Slow to advance, he's now 26, but he put up respectable numbers and is known for his strong arm and decent defense. As a switch-hitting, versatile outfielder, Henry would make for a solid reserve to replace John Andreoli and buy time for Braden Bishop.

Other Notable Changes:

1. Fire/remove Bob Aylward; replace him with a competent female.

Bob Aylward was at the center of a controversy revealed by Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times, which also involved conduct issues by former club president Chuck Armstrong and current president, Kevin Mather. Armstrong has since retired from the organization, and though Aylward retired from his direct role with the Mariners, he stepped in as chairman of NW Sports Net LLC (ROOT Sports NW). Unlike Mather, he declined to comment or offer a public apology—or any hint of remorse.

If Seattle wishes to hit this head on and show the female fan base that they are respected, and show players and prospective personnel outside the organization that Seattle is indeed a great place to work, Aylward has to go. He should not be representing this organization or its affiliates in any fashion. Period. That's the only way I can see Seattle restoring a sense of trust which has undoubtedly been damaged.

There's an argument that Kevin Mather should go as well, but it appears that Stanton bought his apology and was impressed with his effort to correct his behavior. I don't have a strong opinion regarding whether or not he should be dismissed, as the details over what happened haven't been made perfectly clear (for the public), but I would certainly hope that ownership takes another look at the entire situation and reassesses how they handled everything.

Projected Active Roster: 

Rotation

1. James Paxton (LHP)
2. Yusei Kikuchi (LHP)
3. Mike Leake (RHP)
4. Marco Gonzales (LHP)
5. Wade LeBlanc (LHP)

Bullpen

1. Edwin Díaz (RHP; CL)
2. David Phelps (RHP)
3. Shawn Armstrong (RHP)
4. Erasmo Ramírez (RHP)
5. Félix Hernández (RHP)
6. Sam Tuivailala (RHP)
7. Richard Lovelady (LHP)
8. James Pazos (LHP)

Lineup

1. Mitch Haniger, LF (R)
2. Jean Segura, SS, (R)
3. Robinson Canó, 1B (L)
4. Nelson Cruz, DH (R)
5. Domingo Santana, RF (R)
6. A.J. Pollock, CF (R)
7. Tetsuto Yamada, 2B (R)
8. Kyle Seager, 3B (L)
9. Mike Zunino, C (R)

Bench

1. A.J. Ellis, C (R)
2. Ben Gamel, OF (L)
3. Jonathan Villar, INF (S)

Payroll:

• 104.5m guaranteed
• 21m estimated in arbitration-eligible players
• 29.5m in free agents
• 16.5m in extensions
• 4.5m in pre-arb players
• 4m in buyouts
• 3.5m outgoing
• 5m incoming

Total: 178.5 million.

Flaws:

• An opening-day payroll of roughly 178.5 million would blow past this year's opening-day record and limit their mid-season flexibility, though there should be cash leftover from the Canó savings in 2018 that wasn't spent, and there would be considerable pre-arb depth in Tacoma to boot. 

• The new wave of outfielders in this plan consists of two rebound projects and an unknown. If anyone's curious, I drew the names randomly from a hat.

• The collective face-lift would undoubtedly make some fans nervous, which is exactly why I proposed such a thing. The bonus would be the potential upgrade these moves represent.

• Having just two left-handed hitters in the regular lineup wouldn't do much for lineup balance, but a lineup full of right-handed hitters that should be able to hit right-handed pitchers is better than a lineup with extra left-handed hitters that can't hit right-handed pitchers. Gamel and Villar could offer left-handed PA's off the bench, so it's not like Servais would be handcuffed. This really isn't a flaw, so I suppose you could consider listing this as a flaw the flaw.   

• A total of 5 trades are proposed and none of them involve Tampa.

More Likely to Happen: 

Players out of options and without a role moved for unwanted minor leaguers, a cheap center fielder acquired, Canó reclaiming 2B, Félix given another chance in the rotation after proclaiming drastic changes to his routine, Kristopher Negrón replacing Andrew Romine, Span's optioned being declined by Span, Gordon moved with some cash for a low-level prospect, (*deep breath*) a LHRP brought in via free agency along with one decent surprise addition, but still ending up with three of the four dead bats from 2018 in the regular lineup without viable alternatives to turn to.  

Basically, no real shake up and a record-setting opening day payroll just as high or higher than what I've proposed for a team with a low ceiling. Debbie Downer couldn't have written this better.

Consider this an official challenge: prove me wrong, Jerry.

Conclusion: 

As with the last few offseasons, this is about 2019 and beyond. Seattle doesn't have any promising starting pitching prospects in the upper-minors ready to contribute next season or in the foreseeable future. There aren't many significant infielders or ready-now outfield prospects either, and some questions still linger over the current options. So, solidifying the active roster with young, potential impact players and creating a solid layer of depth is vital. This plan doesn't do that perfectly, but it does address the immediate concerns and extends team control with some potential additions/replacements for the core while maintaining a reasonable payroll. If my proposed offers prove to be low, upping the ante a bit shouldn't be out of the question. It wouldn't be the end of the world to splurge for a single season.

Apart from bringing in a potential front-line starter, one of the key goals in this plan was to eliminate the dependency on sub .300 OBP hitters, and though Seager and Zunino would remain, neither would have to be leaned upon in critical situations. Lack of alternatives was a major issue for Seattle in 2018 due to a weak bench. The offense ceased to exist in July and barely had a pulse from August onward. There's little doubt the collective failure to get on base directly led to a lack of runs scored, and though it goes without saying, I'll say it anyway: you can't score many runs without base-runners or players who can extend innings.

Innings management for starting pitchers was another issue for Seattle in 2018. Though they should be able to get a little more from the listed starters, careful use of the reserves will be a factor in 2019 and the pitching plan should include use of the entire arsenal. Running out of gas in mid-August can't happen again. Easier said than done, but nonetheless crucial. Adopting a strategy similar to that of Tampa or Oakland might be something to consider at some point, which would be relatively easy to implement with a 'pen that features a handful of arms that can offer multiple innings.

Speaking of the relief pitching, it's fair to question the proposed bullpen changes (it's fair to challenge all of these proposed changes), especially when you consider the fact that Phelps, who's coming off Tommy John surgery, is slotted for a setup role. However, relievers are by far the easiest to replace. Altavilla is perfectly capable of holding his seat, and clearing out the current setup options and their salaries opens the door for the younger, promising prospects on the cusp of potential MLB residency.

The international players come with plenty to prove as well, but they all have high ceilings and Jerry isn't going to acquire many comparable players via trade with the few resources he has left. There is certainly considerable risk involved and this may not work, but if it doesn't, at least it wouldn't deplete the farm any further. He could still change directions and sell at the deadline if they're out of the race early, and each of these players could be optioned if minor league seasoning and adjustments prove necessary. This buys time as well as hope. 

This plan would also dismiss players currently on the 40-man roster without options or a clear use, such as Justin Grimm. If he could be outrighted, great, but some of these players would have little or no trade value, so stressing over what to do with him simply isn't worth anyone's time, more specifically, mine.

The 40 might appear thin on the surface, but there has to be room to add players in need of Rule 5 protection and promotion, as well as waiver-claim additions. The need for minor league free agent pitchers to provide depth remains, but the practice of trading off pitching prospects would come to a screeching halt. Only one prospect is outbound in this plan, and the proposed return is for another prospect.

*** 

Something has to give. There has been improvement, but it has been flawed improvement, and things aren't going to get any easier with Oakland and Houston integrating fresh talent into their already talented rosters. Treading water with the same general cast is a good way to drown and this is very much a sink or swim season ahead for Seattle. Regardless of whether or not any of the names I've proposed are brought in or shipped out, there has to be significant changes in order to see significant change for the better. This is the time to roll the dice and open up the wallet, in my opinion. The alternatives don't appeal to me, as they would likely start at the edge of that aforementioned cliff. Yes, it's all about what I want.

With that said, let's hope for a productive offseason that leads to a productive regular season, in turn leads to a productive postseason.

Notes:

• The immediate starting pitching depth would consist of Daniel Poncedeleon, plus Ramírez and Félix out of the 'pen. Ryan Weber would be a solid non-40 option. 
• The immediate relief pitching depth would consist of Dan Altavilla, Chasen Bradford, Raynel Espinal, Matt Festa, and Nick Rumbelow. Other current Yankee prospects may find their way onto this list as they get choked out of the Bronx due to air pollution, or a full roster.
• The immediate fielding and catching depth exists, but I don't think anyone cares, so I won't bother to list it.
• The single proposed lineup suggests no more platoons and that was intentional. 
• The first draft of this plan was made in early June. The absurd idea of creating a draft in early June came in early May. 
• I don't anticipate any front office firings, but I stand behind my reasoning for the proposed dismissal. And he can take the grasshoppers with him. 
• Phrasal verbs and idioms have replaced overused descriptive words from previous plans and I know I'll hear all kinds of insults cooked up by Ivy League scholars for doing so. Personal sacrifice is the price I pay for your entertainment. You're welcome.