Michael Morse is on the move back to the Seattle Mariners as the Washington Nationals dealt their power-hitting outfielder Wednesday evening. It is affirmative, as Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reported, three teams were involved in the move.
The Oakland Athletics played a crucial part in the deal. They shipped three prospects to Washington and in return they get John Jaso. Right-handed pitcher A.J. Cole will be on the move to the Nationals as he forms part of the three prospects shipped.
With the deal, the Mariners finally get the middle of the order hitter they were seeking all season long. They first traded for Kendrys Morales to add some pop in the middle of their young lineup. The addition of Morse gives them home run power in the middle of the order and protection for other hitters around him.
The key for Morse and the Mariners will be to remain healthy. Last season he only played in 102 games, but proved that his 2011 season was no fluke. He batted .291 with 18 home runs and 62 RBI. Who knows what he would have accomplished had he been healthy?
The prospect, Cole, is 21 years old and hasn't passed A+ with the A's minor league affiliates. His best minor league stint came with the Burlington Bees where he started 19 games, posted a 6-3 record while pitching 95.2 innings.
The A's get a catcher, a position they have struggled to fill as of late, in Jaso. In 2012, he provided solid numbers for the Mariners batting .276 with 10 home runs and 50 RBI in 108 games while posting a .374 on-base percentage. Are we surprised Billy Bean was attracted by this man's OBP?
This will be an interesting season coming up in 2013. The Mariners aren't expected to compete, but boy will they challenge the rest of the A.L. West.
Also, have to point out, this is the second year in a row the Nationals receive prospects from the A's. Could there be an underground understand between these two clubs? Last season, Gio Gonzalez was sent to the Nationals and he made a good pitching rotation excellent after he showed up.
Just food for though.