This Seattle Mariners team doesn’t look like they want to be contenders.  After getting blown out last night they’re down 10-0 so far tonight.  And Cliff Lee is scheduled to throw against the M’s tomorrow.

Sell, sell, sell!?!

Michael Saunders has been called up and, according to Don Wakamatsu, is going to play everyday.  Wlad Balentien was designated for assignment to make room.

Wlad, who has struggled all season and has seemingly fallen out of favor with Wakamatsu, will be dealt in the next 10 days.

He probably won’t be alone, either.  Lots of talk going on in comment threads around Lookout Landing, USS Mariner and Prospect Insider about the Mariners getting involved as a third team in Tampa Bay Rays/Cleveland Indians trade talks.  SS Reid Brignac was pulled in the second inning of his AAA game.  Reports are coming out that the pulling was in response to Brignac’s failure to run out a ground ball, or a minor injury, or something along those lines, but is scheduled to start the second game of the double header.  Maybe that is true, but there are also some rumors about a three team deal that would send Jeff Clement and Brandon Morrow to Cleveland with a return of Brignac and Scott Kazmir from Tampa Bay.  Hey, maybe we won’t be facing Cliff Lee tomorrow after all.

If such a deal went through, the Mariners would have to clear some payroll, which would most likely mean sending Jarrod Washburn off.  The Yankees, Brewers, Dodgers and Phillies all seem to be interested.

I’ll comment on how such deals affect the team if they happen.  These are just rumors, after all.

It’s going to be an interesting week heading up to the trade deadline.