TERRY MOSHER
TOP OF THE TOWN – I may be the only one who thinks Trader Dipoto, President of Baseball Operations for the Seattle Mariners, should have his phone taken away from him until Aug. 2 when the trading deadline is over. Despite a season that has been a disappointment from the standpoint of expectations, Dipoto should stand pat and make no trades. Their problem all along has been the lack of hitting, especially at critical moments. You would think there is a need for a big bopper. That would be good except for what Dipoto would have to give up to get one. Unless Shohei Ohtani suddenly falls into his lap, Dipoto should just play it cool. I like the makeup of the current roster. Tom Murphy has emerged as a force, rookie Cade Marlowe is the real deal. He can hit, hit for power, has speed and is a good outfield defender. What is there not to like with him? Julio Rodriguez has to mature and he will be what is expected of him.. He’s too much into himself and just needs to settle down and be more patient at the plate. I could see Marlowe, Rodriguez and Jarred Kelenic as the starting outfield. That would eliminate Teoscar Hernandez, although I like him. There is a need for a second baseman with some power and Ty France needs to be fixed as a hitter. He’s quite good as a first baseman, but for some reason has tailed off at the plate, and I haven’t figured out why. I thought last year that Cal Raleigh would wind up in the Hall of Fame. Now, I’m not too sure. He has lost a bit behind the plate and at the plate. His raw power, however, makes him a keeper. Harry Ford is just two years from showing up and when he does a decision will have to be made on Raleigh. All the parts are there for the Mariners to be an annual contender. They just need to tweak some things, especially hitting breaking balls, and solidify the bullpen a bit. There is no reason to panic and get involved in some trades. Don’t touch the starting pitchers. They are basically a young and talented staff. Stick with them. Okay, I’m outta here. Stay safe.
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