Come to Seattle for All Your Off-Season Purchases

The Seattle Monarchs are, once again, open for business to help you fill all of your player acquisition needs.

Why, take this testimonial (imagined) from a satisfied buyer:

"I picked up a reliever from Mack last year to be my closer. He went on to save 27 games for me and picked up five wins. He was everything I expected."

Or this (also imagined) testimonial:

"I had to get rid of an outfielder before he left in free agency. In return, Mack gave me a collection of talent that included an outfielder who hit 33 home runs and won a Slick Fielding award and a catcher who hit .295 and stole 45 bases!"

Yes, come to Seattle for all your trading needs. Remember, we give quality to get quality. (Unlike that Brand X guy over there, who tries to rob you blind.)

So, what's on Seattle's list of available talent this year? Well, just look!

Catchers. Oh, have we got catchers.

How about Waylon Blassingame. He's won three consecutive Slick Fielding awards. He was in charge of the pitching staff that posted the lowest ERA ever. But wait, there's more! He's also the defending batting champion, hitting .350 last year. He must cost too much in salary, you protest? No, sir! Waylon has a friendly salary of $2.75 million for next year. How can you pass up this All-Star, Cup-winning beast?

If you're looking for something a little more on the budget scale, perhaps as a platoon partner, I've also got Alvin Medina. Just look at those ratings against lefties! He's no world beater, but he's can be a sold backup with an attractive salary.

Finally, there's the new kid on the block who took the baseball world by storm. Straight out of the California Penal League, it's Stanley Raabe. He's got an odd backstory in that he's able to play catcher and has a 6 arm and 2.5 stars at that position, but it doesn't show up with a fielding range or rating. Nonetheless, he played 132 innings behind the plate for me this year, starting 15 games, and posted fielding numbers nearly equal to that of Blassingame. Oh, he's also a very solid hitter, posting a .958 OPS in AAA and a .753 OPS in the majors. With a league minimum salary, he's a favorite of the cost-conscious.

Infielders. It's a limited supply in the infield this year at Mack's Mega-Mart.

But, you can grab second baseman Francis Armendariz in the right deal. He hit .290 with 16 home runs, 79 RBI, and 75 runs scored from the eighth spot in the line-up last year. He's also as good as it gets defensively, with a perfect "10" range at second. Following the John "Who Needs the Minor Leagues" Olerud career path, he's got two more years of arbitration ahead of him and is entering his prime right now.

Outfielders. Well, there is a fabulous opportunity here for the team that thinks boldly. I have four starting outfielders. Unfortunately, Zev said that I couldn't start all of them at the same time and use one as a "designated hitter" for my pitchers. While I'm not dying to move anyone, there are two players potentially available who would make any team better.

Super-Sub Lonnie Machen can be had for the right package. He's got an 80 contact rating and solid ratings in the other categories as well. He hit .378 over 251 at bats last year as a pinch hitter and spot starter. He's got a career .329 batting average and .840 OPS, which fits well with any team. He's just entering his first year of arbitration this year and is only 27, so his prime years are available cheaply. He plays all three outfield spots and is solid at first base as well. He's pretty great, which is why if he stays on the roster I might be willing to deal ...

Centerfielder Sean Arant. What can be said about him? Career .397 OBP and .857 OPS. Stole 159 bases over the last two years. Holds the Adams League record with 140 runs scored in 2010. Has won SIX Cecil Cups. Has a perfect "10" rating in outfield arm. He's a superstar. He had an off year last year and still posted an OPS near .800, including a .989 in September/October.

Unfortunately, neither Machen nor Arant will come cheap, so bring a good offer if you come knocking.

Pitching. There's some quality here too.

Allen Rueter is available. A 3.5 star prospect who will post big strikeout numbers in his career, he had a successful major league introduction last year as he put up a 4.19 ERA in 38 2/3 innings. In his only start, against second-place Brooklyn, he went seven innings giving up four hits and two runs while walking none and striking out six. He can be your star for the right price.

I could also be pursuaded to move one of my relievers. The best available reliever is Willie Sewell, who has a career 3.26 ERA and has thrown at least 89 innings in each of the last six years with the Monarchs. He's got two years left on his contract at a very reasonable $2.1 million. An untapped talent, Sewell could likely be a top-flight closer if given the chance.

I'm also willing to listen to offers for my prodigal trio of young arms, Merlin Bohon, Wesley Elton, and Michael Toyoharu, but it might take a lot to make me give up their combination of talent, production, and ... well ... cheapness.

What, oh what, could Mack possibly be looking for in return? Well, I need some backup infielders beyond Carlos "The Dominican God of Walks" Santoyo. I would also need a backup outfielder if I trade Machen or Arant. Otherwise, prospects or draft picks would be sought.

So, if you like what you see on the menu, drop me a line. Heck, if you want someone else on my roster, don't be afraid to ask about that too.