TRADED! Michael Morse

To the Mariners from the Nationals in a three team trade
with the Athletics.

The Mariners acquire: OF/1B Michael Morse
The Nationals acquire: RHPs A.J. Cole and Blake Treinen
The Athletics acquire: C John Jaso

After Adam LaRoche re-signed with Washington earlier this month it was essentially a done deal that Morse would be traded.  Morse, who had built a mediocre career as a Mariner from 2005-2008, will be a key addition the offense starved Seattle Mariners. The Mariners had tried and failed to pry Justin Upton from the Diamondbacks, and had in fact completed a deal, but were denied by proxy of Upton having Seattle on his no trade list. Seattle also expressed heavy interest in Josh Hamilton before he signed with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

This trade makes sense for all teams. A.J. Cole was originally drafted by the Nationals and traded to the A's for Gio Gonzalez. John Jaso is a very serviceable (and in my opinion underrated) catcher who will provide good depth for the Athletics and turn George Kottaras in to a possible trade chip. Michael Morse's offense is much improved from his first term in Seattle and will be hugely appreciated in 2013. This is also the only logical way Morse will be able to perform as an every day player.