The Seattle Mariners are one of the worst hitting teams I have ever seen. With that in mind, I look for the Mariners to want hitting back in almost every deal they make. Starting pitchers Erik Bedard, Jason Vargas and Doug Fister are the main trade bait for the Mariners. The Yankees, Indians, Tigers and Cardinals are the most likely suitors for the pitchers. I don’t think the Yankees or Indians have the young hitters the Mariners would want back in return. The Tigers and Cardinals are good fits though as they have guys like Allen Craig (Cardinals) and Casper Wells (Tigers) who would step right into the Mariners’ starting lineup if they can get them. There is also a market for Jamey Wright, Jack Wilson, Chone Figgins and Adam Kennedy. If the Mariners eat most of Chone Figgins’ contract they could deal him to the Reds and get a young hitter back. The Angels and Brewers could also have interest in Figgins. The Arizona Diamondbacks might have an interest in Jack Wilson if the Mariners pay most of his contract as they need a starting shortstop with Stephen Drew done for the season. Adam Kennedy might be the biggest trade chip of the position players for the Mariners as teams like the Yankees, Rangers, Phillies and Brewers could use a versatile bench player like him. Righty reliever Jamey Wright might even be worth something to a team like the Tigers, Phillies or Angels as they all need righty bullpen help. OF/DH Jack Cust and C Josh Bard are probably also available for trade but neither of them will bring back much.

The Mariners are 34-48 on the season which have them in last place in the A.L. West, 14 games behind the Rangers. The Mariners are very disappointed in how there year has went so look for them to start trading some players away this month. Cliff Lee will be the biggest chip the Mariners have to deal. He will likely bring back three solid prospects. Jose Lopez, Jack Wilson, Casey Kotchman and David Aardsma will likely all also be available for trade this month. If the Mariners want to get really bold they could trade Jason Vargas who would also bring back some nice prospects. The Mariners just need to make sure that they don’t make any trades unless they get players they really like back. They can’t afford to settle for what teams are willing to give them.

Word is out around major league baseball that 31-year old lefty starting pitcher Cliff Lee is available right now in trade talks. Lee has started 11 games this season for the Mariners and he is 6-3 with a 2.39 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP. He has only given up 75 hits in 86 2/3 innings for the Mariners this year. He has also whiffed 76 batters while only walking 4 which is stunning when you think about it. The Mariners should demand three close to ready prospects that can help out their woeful offense in return for Lee.

The Mariners need to make a trade or two to help the offense or this season is going to go down the drain and they can’t wait for it. The Mariners could go for the gusto and offer the Brewers Adam Moore, Matt Tuiasosopo, Michael Saunders, Ryan Rowland-Smith, Casey Kotchman and Shawn Kelley for Prince Fielder and Mat Gamel. If they don’t want to give up quite so much they could call the Astros and offer them Adam Moore, Matt Tuiasosopo and Sean White for Lance Berkman. I think the better idea would be to try to get two of Luke Scott, Travis Hafner, Cody Ross and Jose Guillen. Hafner would be the cheapest as the Indians would send the Mariners a ton of money to get back Matt Tuiasosopo and Ryan Rowland-Smith. Jose Guillen would likely also be sent to the Mariners with a bunch of cash for Shawn Kelley and Sean White. Cody Ross would likely cost Michael Saunders and Sean White while Luke Scott would likely cost Michael Saunders and Shawn Kelley. With all things considered I would probably try the Travis Hafner and Cody Ross route so that the Mariners would get to keep Shawn Kelley.