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Welcome back, Michael Morse. Have a seat against a right-handed pitcher, Dustin Ackley.
Ackley and Michael Saunders have put themselves in a position to lose playing time. Saunders has actually been decent in July, posting a .281/.356/.547 triple slash with three dingers, so I guess he's the better option for now. With as good as the team has been lately, there are still a couple pretty discouraging things going on.
If you're in the camp of playing the youngsters, there are ways to get Ackley and Saunders in the lineup while still trotting out Morse and Raul Ibanez. Ackley can play second. Morse can play first or DH. Ibanez can should DH. Kendrys Morales can play first. Brad Miller can play third. Nick Franklin can play shortstop. Brendan Ryan is still around. This team has some versatility. It's not plus-defense versatility, but they can get all these guys playing time.
I don't know how you manage this roster. Just keep winning and I'll keep deferring to you, Mariners.
Seattle Mariners
1. Brad Miller (L) SS
1. Brad Miller (L) SS
2. Nick Franklin (S) 2B
3. Kyle Seager (L) 3B
4. Kendrys Morales (S) DH
5. Raul Ibanez (L) LF
6. Michael Morse (R) RF
7. Justin Smoak (S) 1B
8. Michael Saunders (L) CF
9. Henry Blanco (R) C
LHP Joe Saunders
2. Shane Victorino (S) RF
3. Dustin Pedroia (R) 2B
4. David Ortiz (L) DH
5. Mike Napoli (R) 1B
6. Jarrod Saltalamacchia (S) C
7. Jonny Gomes (R) LF
8. Stephen Drew (L) SS
9. Jose Iglesias (R) 3B
RHP Brandon Workman
Pre-game questions:
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Wow, has this been a boring trade deadline or what? Don't you dare say what. -
How would you juggle the current M's roster and hand out playing time?