Mariners Want Kouzmanoff To Replace Beltre, Won't Trade Yet

According to multiple reports, the Seattle Mariners want to acquire San Diego Padres third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff. The Mariners are in need of a third baseman after the major blow dealt by a severe injury to power hitting M's third baseman Adrian Beltre. Apparently, the Mariners are in a wait-and-see approach, waiting to pounce on the trade market. The Mariners would likely trade a part of their starting pitching tandem, Jarrod Washburn or Erik Bedard. So far this season, Kouzmanoff is hitting .239 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs. Kouzmanoff has a .278 OBP and 68 hits in 74 games. Washburn is 4-6 with a 3.36 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. Bedard is currently on the 15-day disabled list. So far this season, Bedard is 5-2 with a 2.47 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. If this trade goes down, it would definently be a win for the Padres. Getting a pitching talent like Washburn or Bedard on the pitching-light San Diego roster would pay dividends for the Padres. The Mariners are just getting a rent-a-player. (link)