MLB roundup: Franklin Gutierrez signs with Mariners, Royals acquire Danny Valencia
Franklin Gutierrez returns to Seattle and the Royals pick up Danny Valencia, headlining a slew of minor moves.
Steven Bisig-US PRESSWIRE
The Mariners announced that they have agreed to a deal with outfielder Franklin Gutierrez, who will return to the club for his sixth season.
Acquired by Seattle in 2008, Gutierrez has shown elite defense, solid pop and a lack of on-base ability when healthy. He only managed 41 games in 2013, but managed to hit 10 home runs in that time.
More from Lookout Landing: Mariners bring back Gutierrez
Kansas City Moves Lough for Valencia
The Royals announced that they acquired infielder Danny Valencia from the Baltimore Orioles, sending back outfielder David Lough.
It's an exchange of spare parts for both teams as the acquisition of Norichika Aoki created a surplus of outfielders in Kauffman, and Valencia wasn't going to see much time playing behind Manny Machado in Baltimore.
Valencia had a small sample of success in Baltimore, turning in a .304/.335/.553 slash line in 161 at-bats after bouncing from Minnesota to Boston before landing in Charm City. While that production is tantalizing, it’s well out of line with his career production. Lough accrued 315 at-bats in Kansas City, recording a solid .286/.311/.413 line. He should act as a fourth outfielder in Baltimore.
More trade: Royals Review Camden Chat
Stubbs sent to Colorado
Outfielder Drew Stubbs was sent to the Rockies on Wednesday, in a trade that saw pitcher Josh Outman go back to Cleveland.
This is the second time in short order that Colorado has acquired what appears to be a backup outfielder, following the trade that sent Dexter Fowler to Houston for Jordan Lyles and Brandon Barnes.
Once a defense/power hitting outfielder, the latter has eluded Stubbs in recent years, though the former should play well in the vast expanses that make up the Coors field outfield.
For years Outman has failed to live up to his name, and while his 4.33 ERA won’t inspire anyone, he did record 53 strikeouts in 54 innings. He wasn’t used as a lefty specialist, though he should have been, as right-handed batters teed off to the tune of a .347/.423/.459 slash line.
More on the Stubbs/Outman Swap From: Let's Go Tribe Purple Row
Young draws interest
The Milwaukee Brewers are interested in Michael Young and they're not alone according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
The Brewers are interested in Young as at least part of a solution at first base, and are joined by the Dodgers and Rockies. The Nationals were in on Young early, but have moved on to other players at this point. Young put together a .279/.335/.395 slash line between the Phillies and Dodgers last season, mostly playing third base. He showed value as a pinch-hitter down the stretch for LA.
San Diego swaps Guzman for Jackson
Jesus Guzman was sent from the Padres to the Astros on Wednesday afternoon, with Ryan Jackson going back the other way.
Guzman has been a serviceable reserve for the last three years, playing all over the field for San Diego, recording a 139 OPS+ in 2011, before falling to 107 in 2012 and down to 94 last year. He offers defensive versatility if not ability, and has shown pop in the past, if not the recent past. Given the dearth of talent on Houston’s major league roster, he might start early on, though any extended playing time is likely to leave him overexposed as a hitter.
Jackson was claimed off waivers by Houston after being released by St. Louis in late November. He brings plus defense to the table, though he struggles offensively, pairing limited power with a decent approach at the plate.
More Guzman: On leaving San Diego On joining Houston
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