Wed, Jan 16, 2013 at 8:08pm

MARINERS GET MORSE IN 3-TEAM SWAP

In a three-team trade, the Seattle Mariners acquired first baseman/outfielder Michael Morse from the Washington Nationals; the Oakland Athletics acquired first baseman/catcher John Jaso from Seattle; the Nationals acquired pitchers A.J. Cole and Blake Treinen, and a player to be named later from Oakland.

What does it give the Seattle Mariners
The Mariners did well here to land a power bat for their starving offense. Morse should fit somewhere in the middle of Seattle's lineup, along with fellow newcomer {P Kendrys Morales} and emerging bat {P Jesus Montero} (who may see a lot more time behind the plate now that Jaso is gone). The Mariners also sold high on Jaso, who had a big year in 2012 but may not be able to improve upon his numbers this time around.

What does it give the Oakland Athletics
The A's were clearly dissatisfied with their catching situation, so they added a left-handed bat in Jaso to complement young {P Derek Norris}. The cost was fairly high, since they were forced to send Cole back to the Nationals (after being part of the {P Gio Gonzalez} deal in 2011). However, Jaso will help an Oakland offense that made good strides in 2012 and could be even better this year.

What does it give the
For the Nationals, this is all about moving Morse and re-acquiring a young pitcher (Cole) they never wanted to part with in the first place. After the Nats re-signed first baseman {P Adam LaRoche}, Morse no longer had a place to play in Washington. So, the club took the best deal they could for him, including a second pitching prospect (Treinen) and a player to be named later.

Fantasy impact
Morse is familiar with Seattle, having played there from 2005-08, so he may not suffer offensively from the move from D.C. Jaso was very good in Seattle last season but he will be surrounded by a better lineup in Oakland. Therefore, he could get a fantasy boost. For keeper leaguers, keep an eye on Cole, a very solid pitching prospect who is a few years away.