MARINERS LAND LEFTY BAT MORRISON
The Seattle Mariners acquired first baseman/outfielder Logan Morrison from the Miami Marlins for pitcher Carter Capps.
What does it give the Seattle Mariners
The Mariners are completely revamping their offense this off-season, and the results have been fairly good. After landing new second baseman {P Robinson Cano} and right-handed slugger {P Corey Hart} as free agents, the M's now get a quality left-handed batter in Morrison here. Either Hart or Morrison will probably play the majority of the time at first base, with the other either seeing regular time in the outfield or as the designated hitter. Either way, Morrison is an upgrade over the likes of {P Justin Smoak} and {P Jesus Montero} at this time.
What does it give the Miami Marlins
The Marlins recently signed former Pirate {P Garrett Jones} to be the team's new first baseman (at least against right-handed pitching), so that move made Morrison expendable. In return, the Fish land a quality right-handed reliever in Capps. The hard-throwing Capps will now be used in a setup role for closer {P Steve Cishek} with the Marlins, and his chances of eventually succeeding Cishek in the ninth inning are very good.
Fantasy impact
Morrison is a strong rebound candidate in 2014, though his power numbers won't be great playing half the time at Safeco Field. Capps' value remains very strong as a potential closer on a rebuilding team. The big losers here are clearly Smoak and Montero, who suddenly may no longer have a spot in Seattle's everyday lineup.
