The Mariners are in an interesting state right now. Though scouts around the league expect the team to eventually end up as sellers and are scouting players such as Kendrys Morales, the Mariners have their eye on players who could strengthen the team's lineup.
MLB trade rumor roundup: Mariners looking for offense, Giants’ Lopez available
The Mariners are in a state between buying and selling, but would like to shore up their lineup moving forward. Meanwhile, teams have interest in Javier Lopez.
Steve Mitchell
Seattle has had a top scout in San Diego to look into the Padres with the team eyeing players who could improve their offense, reports Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com.
In particular, the Mariners have an interest in Padres 1B/OF Kyle Blanks. Blanks has a .256/.318/.425 batting line over 67 games in 2013. However, he has been on the disabled list with pain in both ankles due to tendinitis in the Achilles tendon. He does not currently have a timeframe for return, making it less likely that he'll be traded.
The Mariners are currently 49-55 in 2013, but are in third place in the AL West and 12 games behind the Athletics for the division lead. Blanks could be a possibility to be a long-term replacement for Kendrys Morales or Michael Morse, who are both free agents at the end of the season. Blanks would not be eligible for free agency until 2016.
With plenty of teams around the MLB looking to solidify their bullpens, it appears Javier Lopez has become a popular name. The Giants reliever has the interest of "multiple teams," reports ESPN's Buster Olney. The 36-year-old veteran left-hander has just a 1.42 ERA over 45 games in 2013.
Lopez has allowed just one earned run over his last 33 appearances stretching back to May 5, being used primarily against left-handed hitters. Since 2010, he has been one of the best LOOGYs in the MLB, with a 2.35 ERA.
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