Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Mariners Make Roster Moves/Win Another Series


The Seattle Mariners made some roster changes on Wednesday acquiring first baseman Ben Broussard from the Cleveland Indians for minor league outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, designating Carl Everett for assignment and recalling outfielder Chris Snelling from Triple-A Tacoma.

Everett, the biggest named player in the moves, DHing almost exclusively against right-handed pitching and was hitting just .227 in 92 games. The Mariners were Everett’s 8th team and he seemed to not fit in there either.

In return Broussard, is hitting .360 against right-handers and at least statistically will be an upgrade in Seattle’s lineup. He will give up playing first base for the rest of the season to replace Everett’s DH role.

"I take pride in playing first base, I love it and will continue to work at it. But I realize at this point of the season it's a role I'm going to have on the team," Broussard said. "I know long term I'm a first baseman but for now I'll do what I have to do to get in the lineup."

Broussard will stay in Cleveland and join the Mariners when they arrive on Thursday for a weekend series against the Indians.

The Mariners needed to find a new bat to make a push for the AL West title. Despite being four games under .500 Seattle is only 3 games back from first place.

The Mariners beat the Blue Jays 7-4 Wednesday night to take their second series in a row. I said the winning the Toronto series was crucial and the Mariners took games one and three to inch a little closer to the top spot in the division.

Jamie Moyer won for the first time since June 24, at San Diego, and got plenty of offensive help Wednesday night as the Mariners took two of three from the Blue Jays. Seattle closed out this homestand 4-2 winning back-to-back series for the first time since last month.