SEATTLE -- Rather than waiting to see where the Seattle Mariners are sitting by the time the trade market heats up, general manager Jerry Dipoto decided to be proactive.
Rewarding a strong start in spite of numerous injuries and the suspension of Robinson Cano, the Mariners pulled off the first big trade of the season Friday, landing outfielder Denard Span and right-handed reliever Alex Colome from the Tampa Bay Rays for two minor leaguers.
It's not a blockbuster deal, but it does immediately improve the Mariners after they spent the first two months dealing with a number of significant injuries and still find themselves near the top of the American League West.