Are Mariners brewing a move on the Hot Stove

The Seattle Mariners roster is changing daily. That is because Mariners new GM Jerry Dipoto is in the kitchen tossing out ingredients whose expiration date has expired. He is in the midst of creating a new dish and is looking for fresher ingredients. Here is what Chef Dipoto has done so far, though things may have changed even as I am typing. as he is a fast and furious chef.

Gone                                                                           Added 

Brad Miller                                                                Nathan Karns-starter

Logan Morrison                                                      Boog Powell-outfielder

Danny Farquhar                                                     Daniel Robertson-outfield

Tom Wilhelmsen                                                    Joaquin Benoit-closer

James Jones                                                             Leonys Martin-CF

CJ Riefenhauser added and departed           Anthony Bass-pitcher

Mark Trumbo                                                         Luis Sardinas-infield

Ramon Flores                                                         Chris Iannetta-catcher

Patrick Kivlehan                                                    Andy Wilkins-1b                                  

                                                                                      Steve Clevenger-catcher/1b

                                                                                      Nori Aoki-outfield

                                                                                      Justin De Fratus-pitcher

What Dipoto has thus far done, is add players coming off bad years or injuries, or players with potential, but have yet to show much. But dumping Trumbo’s salary of $9 million gives Chef Dipoto more money; more money to do what?

Repeat after me. Free Agent Signing. But who is the question. I can not imagine him cutting the payroll without adding someone.

At present Dipoto has said that Jesus Montero and Andy Wilkins make a nice platoon at first base and that Montero deserves a shot. I agree, but GM’s always say that until they have an alternative of someone they think is better. The chef also praised Brad Miller, then traded him. Dipoto is also big on defense, and Montero is average at best. Justin Moreau, 34, coming off an injury (Dipoto’s favorite), hit .310 in 168 at bats. Is Jerry thinking of Justin. Or Mike Napoli? Or perhaps Johnny Cueto for a starting pitcher. Or is he saving the money to resign Hisashi Iwakuma. But something is cooking.

The winter meetings start Monday, the 7th, so stay tuned to the Mariner Food Network to see what Jerry will do next.