Bill Bavasi had hoped by now to know whether the Seattle Mariners were contenders in the American League West or a team in need of a major overhaul.
Nine games under .500 on Tuesday but just 81/2 games out in the division race Bavasi said he has come up with two hard and fast rules for the month.
“First, we’re not going to export our best prospects for a rent-a-player who’s only going to be here this season,” Bavasi said. “And second, we’re not going to trade one of our better players for a bunch of prospects who would be sent direct to Tacoma.
“We’re open to anything, we’re talking to teams every day, but at this point we’re not in the offloading mode,” he said. “One of the reasons we haven’t talked much about Freddy (Garcia) is we’re trying to win games now, let this club play.”
As Bavasi spoke, his team had won four consecutive games for the second time this year, and its June record (10-7) was an improvement over April and May.
Still, the team started the day nine games under .500.
“We’ve been pitching exceptionally well, we’ve been catching and throwing it well,” Bavasi said. “We still need offensive help.
“In the position we’re in, teams call to see if we’re ready to move our players. I’ve been in that situation, and you have to make those calls to teams you think might be ready to trade.
“We’re making some of those calls, too. In some cases, we’re the pursuer in trade talks. Sometimes, we’re the prey. There’s nothing right now that would make us a better team.”
Two weeks ago, the Mariners were 131/2 games out of the division lead.
They’ve played good-but-not-great baseball, and Texas, Anaheim and Oakland have come back to them a bit.
“It’s a lot more fun if you’re 81/2 games in front,” Bavasi said, “but where we are beats being so far out you know you have to offload your better players.
“If a deal is offered that includes prospects but makes us better on the field right now, that’s one we’d make,” Bavasi said. “We’re looking to get better this year, and hopefully this year and beyond.”
Larry LaRue, The News Tribune
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