people seem to be writing off Smoak and/or Wells. If the team decides to go forward with either or both they can, but no longer have to. With the thought that Morse is either bat first LF (Morales DH, Smoak 1b is an option) or 1b. They don't have to decide the roster before spring training. Excess can be traded late in the spring.
Smoak has been said to have added another 15lbs and become lean this offseason. It was a radio source or I'd link it. He's still in the mix. Its possible that he's traded or sent down, but I wouldn't trade him. his replacements are all (barring Montero no longer catching) only under contract for one year. If he looks good in the spring they don't have to send him down.
Wells is the other guy that might still be valuable as an everyday hitter. They can trade him, but that would leave them with Saunders and Guti as the only good OF defense even invited to spring training. I think if he's traded its toward the end of spring training and they've either decided to punt OF defense in the corners or have picked up someone else. If Saunders or Guti gets injured who's the backup CF then? Jason Bay?
I don't think Ibanez is such a lock to make the team as most others do. Having him around in the spring is valuable regardless, but it's going to be impossible to keep everyone and him and Bay are at best fighting for a 5th OF/DH/1b/PH spot. I guess a move to pick up the 3rd string CF could be a guy with options to stash down the road in Tacoma. Making it through spring training healthy is something Z certainly was reminded is no guarantee just under a year ago. I'm sure he knew the concept before. Right now Wells and Saunders are the only depth and trading either without bringing in another option could easily bring the worst OF defense Safeco has ever had.
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