Mariners Quiet at Trade Deadline

For a team that has arguably passed expectations for this season, and finds themselves firmly entrenched in the postseason race, the Seattle Mariners were conspicuously docile as yesterday's trade deadline approached and passed.

Yes, the Mariners managed to move Julio Mateo, but he has spent most of the season in AAA Tacoma or suspended. Not a big surprise, as the Mariners made it clear to Mateo that he would never pitch in Seattle again (nor is it a surprise that Phillies' GM, and former Mariners' GM, Pat Gillick, would swoop in and take him). Also, Seattle's bullpen has been lights out this season without him - J.J. Putz and George Sherrill have been nearly unhittable.

But why didn't the Mariners pick up another bat? Only two everyday players are hitting over .300, and much as it pains me to say it, Adrian Beltre (especially after his breakout 2004)and Richie Sexson haven't exactly been as good as advertised at the plate, although nobody can deny Beltre's value on defense. Sexson has power, but it seems like he's all or nothing at the plate.

The Mariners' starting pitching has been somewhat of a mystery, too. It seems like everybody has been struggling all year, but most everybody has at least a .500 record, even with some high ERAs (Can Jeff Weaver - who in his two wins looked like a Hall-of-Famer - figure out who the hell he's going to be?). How is Horacio Ramirez 6-3 with an ERA approaching 6.5? And poor King Felix, who just hasn't been the same since a stint on the disabled list early this season, is only 7-6 with a 3.85 ERA - he just can't get much run support.

It's a shame the Mariners' brass couldn't figure out something to try to improve this ball club, who is only 4 games back of the Angels in the division and only 1.5 games back of the Indians for the Wild Card. While most teams in that position would try to make some type of move to get themselves over the hump, the Mariners have a history of standing pat at the trade deadline, watching the teams around them make deals instead.

Although, I guess M's fans shouldn't be too disappointed - they weren't supposed to be this close to begin with. Consider yourselves lucky?