Wild Deadline Questions, Wild Deadline Answers Part II

 

After a tough week of baseball, HVH staff head to the local watering hole to catch the All Star Game.

By Stevil, 16 July, 2024

This round is going to be a little different. We had some great questions that came from a former HVH contributor, plus one locally. 

Here they are... 

Q: What happens if Seattle goes on a losing streak and falls out of first place (before the deadline)? *Note, this question came up the first week in July. 

A: They were always likely to target players with control beyond 2024, so I'm not sure anything really changes. Maybe they'd be less likely to cough up that extra piece to get a deal done? 

Q: Victor Robles has been outstanding. Should he be starting in left or right field?

A: I think so. He was brought in to be a platoon bat, and the sample size is small, but Haniger's July is equally as horrific as his May. Raley isn't having a great month either. Until, or unless, they get another corner outfielder (or two), playing Robles regularly makes sense. I think it would be foolish to expect a resurgence from Haniger at this point.

Q: Should they DFA Polanco?

A: I know fans were a little excited after two or three decent games. But he faced weak pitching, and he's striking out at an alarming rate. He has a wRC+ of 45 (as of 13 July). 

But DFA is always a last resort with a veteran like that. I suspect they'll try to attach him in a package, but yeah, I think his days as a Mariner are numbered--and that doesn't mean we'll see more of Bliss. We'll probably see Moore starting at second base more regularly unless they acquire another second baseman.

Q: Where do the Mariners absolutely have to upgrade?

A: The outfield. Even if playing Robles regularly in a corner works out, they still need another corner outfielder. I'm not comfortable with Raley & Canzone in regular roles right now. But any upgrade would be welcomed, of course.

Q: Who are your targets? There isn't much time left and I know there's going to be surprises!

A: We'll post out ideas tomorrow. I think. Tommy's editing the post tonight.