Mariners and Rays Swap 6 Players, Harper Reaches Out to Papelbon
The Tampa Bay Rays and Seattle Mariners did not wait that long to make the first significant baseball trade of the brand new offseason. At the same time, Bryce Harper the Washington Nationals star as tried to come to terms with teammate Jon Papelbon.
On Thursday night, only four days after the Kansas City Royals were crowned World Series champions, the two teams completed a swap of six players.
Tampa Bay sent pitchers C.J. Riefenhauser, Nathan Karns and Boog Powell, a minor leaguer to Seattle for Brad Miller, Logan Morrison and Danny Farquhar.
Farquhar, Morrison and Miller played extensive roles with Seattle last season, but will not be a part of the future of the club under Jerry Dipoto the GM and Scott Servais the manager.
Tampa Bay will have experienced players, while Seattle is banking the potential it will receive.
Morrison played in 146 games this past season, which was a career high with 17 home runs. Miller was used almost as much appearing in 144 games at middle infield as well as outfield positions as Seattle struggled to find one permanent spot for the athleticism he possesses.
Baseball operations president of Tampa Bay, Matt Silverman said two of the offseason priorities for the tem were left-handed hitting and middle infield.
Tampa Bay has looked at Miller for a long time and view him as being a shortstop, with all but assuring that current Asbrubal Cabrera a free agent will not be back.
Morrison will play in a number of different positions but adding the addition of a left-handed bat was the biggest attraction.
The Washington Nationals’ Bryce Harper has apparently reached out to Jonathan Papelbon the team’s closer by telephone attempting to make sure the two have a functional working relationship says a report by the Washington Post. Apparently, Harper said all he wants is to win and have a relief pitcher with 45 saves in him who will help the team.
As Washington slid from playoff contention, Papelbon yelled at the Nationals outfielder after its appeared Harper did not run out a pop fly late in a game against the Phillies.
A heated exchange ensured in which Papelbon put his hands up under the throat of Harper and shoved him into a wall.
Papelbon was then suspended for the next four games.
A new manager in town could help matters as well. Dusty Baker was announced as the new manager and a change of things could help all involved and set the team on the right track.
