Larry LaRue of the Tacoma News Tribune expects the Mariners to host a fire sale this season, around or before the July 31 trade deadline. Many folks would probably agree. Erik Bedard, Adrian Beltre, Miguel Batista and Jarrod Washburn could all be on their way out.
It'll be a cost-cutting operation, but should also result in the M's forming a younger squad that is better equipped for the future.
[Mariners general manager] Jack Zduriencik has shown a willingness to make deals large (J.J. Putz) and small (Chris Burke), writes LaRue. He has stockpiled young players and pieces like Chris Shelton, in part to improve the Mariners minor league season and in part to act as a 7-11 convenience store for teams in need of a quick fix.
Who else could go by the deadline? Jose Lopez? Chad Cordero? Kenji Johjima?
