Scott Podsednik?

Mike Axisa recently posted an article on MLB Trade Rumors on potential suitors for outfield free agent Scott Podsednik. The Mariners were among 5 other teams on the list. Axisa went on to state that Podsednik might have to settle with a platoon/bench role due to the lack of possible suitors. This is exactly what I think the Mariners should do with Podsednik… Sign him for a one year deal and allow him to compete with Michael Saunders for the starting job in left field. It appears that the Mariners have been looking for an outfielder to platoon with Saunders and Podsednik could be just that.

Podsednik performed well last year as he hit .297 with 35 stolen bases in 595 plate appearances. The 34 year old has a career .286 average and consistently steals lots of bases. These stats are much better than those of Michael Saunders who hit .211 and struck out at a much higher rate than Podsednik. Yes last year was Saunders first season and people expect more than him but what happens if he doesn’t quite figure it out next year? Then where do the Mariners go in left field? Sure there is Milton Bradley and Greg Halman but I like my chances with Podsednik much more. Looking at the Bill James projections for each player in 2011 here is a look at how their projections compare:

Player	AVG	OPS	SLG	SB	K%	HR	RBI
Scott	.277	.335	.365	29	16.1	5	42
Michael	.242	.315	.388	10	25.8	10	34

Podsednik’s projected stats appear to better but you never know what could happen. I still really like Saunders’ potential but I think we will have to be patient with him. The perfect scenario for me, if the Mariners do in fact sign Podsednik, is that they platoon in left field with Podsednik seeing a small majority of the time at first. As the season progresses Saunders would begin to see a majority of the time. I think they would complement each other rather well as you have the greater power potential in Saunders but then you have the solid contact hitter in Podsednik. But remember this is all hypothetical.

Podsednik could not only serve as a platoon with Saunders but he can also play the other outfield positions. He could serve as a good back up for Ichiro and Gutierrez when they need a day off. He has shown that he is a good, reliable fielder. He would also be a very useful piece off the bench late in games. He has a great ability to steal bases and looking at potential Mariners bench players for 2011, none have the speed that Podsednik has. Not to mention his consistent ability to put the ball in play, this is always a great commodity to have off the bench.

As a side note, Podsednik played for Seattle in 2001 and 2002. He was signed as a free agent by the Mariners. He was then put on waivers and later claimed by the Brewers as we wasn’t able to put much together in VERY limited time with the Mariners.

Podsednik appears to be affordable for the Mariners so I would love to see them sign the veteran outfielder. With spring training quickly approaching, a deal would most likely occur soon if one happens.