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than by signing Prince Fielder. 
If the money isn't already available for him from the salaries that come off the books, or they don't raise the payroll, Z has to find ways to make his salary fit.
Trading Gutierrez frees up $12 million over the next two years. Giving an extra rotation spot to one of the young guys or picking up a reclamation project and non-tendering Vargas could free up another $4 million. 
There are plenty of ways to make the move fit in the budget. There really is no excuse for not making an effort to sign Fielder at this point.
I think Carlos Beltran is the next guy Z could possibly target if he doesn't go all in for Fielder. Switch hitter that can play a little outfield. I don't think it's a move that puts the team over the top like Fielder would, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. Certainly a shorter contract for less money which seems to have become the Mariners motto anyways.