Mariners Moose Tracks, 12/7/16: Chris Sale to Boston, Mariners Pitching Possibilities, and Showdown in Spokane

Things are getting crazy down in D.C. While this kind of wheeling and dealing is to be expected at the Winter Meetings, it’s still fun to see as teams vault over each other with blockbuster move after blockbuster move.

The Mariners haven’t made any moves yet, but there have been a ton of rumors surrounding the team. Frankly, I’d be shocked if Jerry Dipoto wrapped up the meetings without having done anything, so perhaps today’s the day. Let’s set the stage for what will surely be another active day in baseball news.

In Mariners news...

• A few tidbits of Mariners news yesterday, the first involving everyone’s favorite muscular Canadian.

• The second involving that one outfielder you probably forgot about.

• Jim Bowden riled up the Mariners fanbase by suggesting that the team was in “serious talks” with Mark Trumbo. The idea that a deal was close was quickly deflated by other reporters.

• In more rumors, Seth Smith is on the chopping block.

• M’s top prospect Kyle Lewis made an appearance at the Winter Meetings to accept the College Player of the Year Award. Lewis appears to be ahead of schedule on his track to return from knee surgery.
• Bob Dutton reports that the M’s are continuing their search for a starter at the Winter Meetings, and lists some names that have popped up in discussion, including Drew Pomeranz and Clay Buchholz.
• Marc W at U.S.S. Mariner wrote about the Mariners newest pitcher, Casey Fien.

Around the league...

• The biggest news from yesterday was the Red Sox acquisition of White Sox ace Chris Sale for top prospects Yoan Moncada and Michael Kepesch. Dave Cameron of Fangraphs breaks down the move.
• Jose Quintana is reportedly on the table since Sale got moved. Quintana would instantly become the best starter on the market.
• Though reports had indicated that the Nationals were close to a deal for Sale, Buster Olney thinks reports may have been fixed to help the White Sox gain leverage.

• In former M’s news, the Phillies signed reliever Joaquin Benoit to a one-year deal. Benoit had a nice stint with Toronto after the Mariners moved him for Drew Storen. Benoit pitched to a 0.38 ERA in 23.2 innings with the Jays.
• In more ex-Mariner relievers news, the Diamondbacks agreed to a contract with Fernando Rodney.
• Aroldis Chapman is reportedly seeking a six-year contract, which teams around baseball are hesitant to give him.
• Unfrotunate news for baseball as Ken Rosenthal reports Japanese stud Shohei Otani probably isn’t coming stateside.

• The Brewers and Red Sox matched up for a big trade, sending reliever Tyler Thornburg to Boston for Travis Shaw and prospects.
• As if the Red Sox haven’t done enough, he team inked first baseman Mitch Moreland to a one-year pact.
• In an attempt to compete with their division rivals, the Rays gave catcher Wilson Ramos a multi-year deal.
• Because the Cubs apparently aren’t good enough already, they’re closing in on a trade to acquire elite reliever Wade Davis for outfielder Jorge Soler.
• Carlos Gomez is coming back to Texas after the outfielder signed a one-year deal.

Anders’ picks...

• The University of Washington men’s basketball will face its stiffest test of the year as it travels to #8 Gonzaga in a battle for state supremacy (no offense, WSU). Our own Peter Woodburn wrote a preview for the matchup at that one blog he runs.