Mariners notebook: Remaining outfield options

I hope everyone had a nice holiday break, or better yet, that you’re still on it. As predicted, all has been quiet on the Mariners front and it most likely will remain that way for a little while longer with most offices in baseball being closed for the holidays. It does not mean things can’t get done, it’s just less likely.

A couple of notes and links:

• Jon Morosi of FOXSports.com expects the trade market for outfielders to heat up soon. While it would appear the bigger names are off the board, there are a number of teams with a surplus of outfielders that should be willing to deal. There will be competition for what is left as the Mariners have plenty of company as a team that is still looking for outfield help. The article gives a good rundown of which teams could be willing to give up an outfielder and who is looking. A number of you have asked about the possibility of the Mariners trading for David Murphy. He is on Morosi’s list and is the Indians outfielder that I believe is most likely to be traded. The Indians are extremely lefty-heavy in the outfield so it makes the most sense that Murphy would be the odd-man out, although with Nick Swisher – who they would like to move, but good luck – and new acquisition Brandon Moss coming off surgeries, they might want to ensure that one or both are good to go in spring training before making any moves.

• Morosi did not include anyone from the Red Sox on his list but I would be surprised if we didn’t see one of Shane Victorino, Allen Craig or Daniel Nava traded. Victorino is a huge and expensive question mark with the injuries that he has had. Craig’s name has been out there a bit but I have to wonder if it is Nava – who is out of options – that is eventually moved.

• The Mariners are not the only team that has interest in Padres outfielder Seth Smith. The Orioles have had talks with the Padres about Smith and Will Venable and are reportedly still considering Ichiro.

• The Yankees have traded former Mariners reliever Shawn Kelley to the Padres for a Double-A reliever. With Kelley back in Peoria, we may have to revive the “I’m Shawn Kelley and I am going to take your job” daily interview during spring training.

• On that note, pitchers and catchers report in 53 days.

• One of the questions I have received the most this offseason is whether the Mariners will re-sign Franklin Gutierrez. It is not out of the question but if they did it would be to a minor-league contract. Gutierrez is playing winter ball in Venezuela, where he has gone 8 for 36 with four doubles and two home runs in 10 games. The most encouraging number for Gutierrez is five, which is the number of games he played in a row before the holiday break.

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