From this corner’s perspective, the cumulative effect of the Mariners’ off-season wheeling and dealing, has been to jettison a lot of mediocre players in order to land a lot more. Shortstop Jean Segura might be the one exception, though there is no precedent for a National Leaguer coming off an impressive season and repeating that level of success in Seattle.
Lew Witham, Seattle
A winning formula?
Drew Smyly, who was acquired by the Mariners on Wednesday, is a fly-ball pitcher. He doesn’t function with a dominant fastball. He functions by fooling batters with pitches in the zone that look like they will end up lower than they really are.