For now, Jesus Montero is the only guaranteed catcher on the Mariners’ roster.

I’ll give Jack Zduriencik this much: he certainly knows how to pull off a surprise.

Today, the Mariners announced a three-way trade with the Oakland Athletics and Washington Nationals. John Jaso went to Oakland, A.J. Cole, Blake Treinen, and a PTBNL went to Washington, and Mike Morse went to Seattle.

It’s a move that, according to Twitter, left many fans scratching their heads.

In 2012, Jaso held a backup catching role, splitting time behind the plate with Miguel Olivo and Jesus Montero, and coming in as a left-handed pinch-hitter during late innings and extra-inning games. Offensively, he was the hottest lefty on the team, batting .276/.394/.456 in 108 games and 361 PA, with a .372 wOBA, 15.5% walk rate and 3.3 bWAR.

Mike Morse is a familiar name to Seattle fans. The Mariners saw him through the first four years of his career, from his MLB debut in 2005 to an injury-riddled 2008. In just 107 games and 337 PA, he batted .300/.365/.397 for a -0.2 bWAR. His batting average and playing time increased considerably after his departure, peaking at .303 in 2011 and dipping to a comfortable .291/.321/.470 over 430 PA in 2012.

While Morse has experience at first base (123 career games) and left/right field (247 career games), he will be fighting for a position that is over-saturated with candidates: Kendrys Morales, Mike Carp, and Justin Smoak at first, and Casper Wells, Michael Saunders, Eric Thames, Franklin Gutierrez, Jason Bay, Raul Ibanez, and Carlos Peguero in the outfield.

Where does this leave the Mariners’ catching situation? Miguel Olivo is gone. Montero is on the 40-man, but will not be expected to catch 162 games next year. Mike Zunino is promising, but as of yet unproven—and the Mariners seem to be in no rush to hurry him through the next level of minor league development. From Greg Johns’ trade report:

“We’re going to be shopping,” Zduriencik said. “We have our list; we’ve already talked to people this afternoon. We like our catching in the organization. We’ve got some good young kids right on the horizon. But for immediate needs, we’ll definitely be shopping.”

In a nutshell, this trade sees a poor defensive catcher with decent offensive production swapped for a poor defensive outfielder with decent offensive production. It leans in Oakland’s favor (and, for that matter, Washington’s), but bear in mind that Jack isn’t quite finished with the Mariners’ 2013 roster yet.

Merry Christmas, Mariner fans.

Yesterday, Jack Zduriencik made his first trade of the offseason, swapping No. 2 starter Jason Vargas for the Angels’ first baseman and designated hitter Kendrys Morales.

Over 33 starts in 2012, Jason maintained a 3.85 ERA over 217.1 IP, his lowest since 2010. Vargas struggled to keep the ball in Safeco Field, accounting for 35 home runs in what was once a pitcher’s park. When he was good, he was very good, finishing the season with a sparkling seven inning performance against Oakland, granting the soon-to-be playoff contenders five hits, a run, and seven strikeouts. When he was bad, things got ugly—for instance, his season-low performance in Arizona, where he sent the Mariners spiraling after giving up nine hits, ten runs, five home runs, and two walks in just 4.1 IP.

In Kendrys Morales, the Mariners find the missing middle-of-the-order hitter they had hoped to secure with the Michael Pineda-Jesus Montero trade last winter. Morales has somewhat successfully bounced back from two injury-laden seasons, caused in part by his new home team.

“That injury occurred when he landed awkwardly while jumping into a group of teammates at home plate after hitting a walk-off grand slam off Mariners closer Brandon League in Anaheim on May 29, 2010.” — Greg Johns, Mariners.com

Last season, Kendrys batted .273/.320/.467 in 522 PA with 22 home runs and a .339 wOBA. Morales peaked in 2009, with a .306 average, 4.0 bWAR, and fifth place in the MVP award voting. According to Greg Johns’ wrap-up, the 29-year-old has fared well in Seattle so far, managing seven home runs, a .292 average, and .904 OPS over 34 games. One can only hope that the shortened fences will work in his favor, while Jason finds the spacious dimensions of Angel Stadium more to his liking.

By this time next year, both Vargas and Morales will be free agents. Last season, Vargas fed on a $4.85M contract, while Morales topped out at $2.98M.

With a potential power hitter gracing the Mariners’ lineup, the team turns to its rotation once again. Rumors cropped up early in the offseason, hinting that Jack Z put another starter on his Christmas wish list. Today, it is a pressing need, lest we see Eric Wedge throw Hector Noesi back in the mix. Although much remains to be tested and proven in the months to come, Jack and Wedge are looking at a rotation captained by King Felix and followed by a combination of Hisashi Iwakuma, Erasmo Ramirez, Danny Hultzen, Taijuan Walker, James Paxton, or Brandon Maurer.

Jack may still have a few more surprises up his sleeve this winter, but at least through the holiday weekend, Mariner fans can finally sleep peacefully.

While the Mariners shop for free agents, you can shop at Mariners.com for Cyber Monday deals. They have ornaments. They have toasters. They even have temperature-sensing garden gnomes.

• The Mariners are in talks with Mike Napoli, according to this report from Jon Heyman. Napoli is slated to meet with the Rangers later this week, although the Yankees and Red Sox are also in the mix.
• Jeff Passan believes that the Royals are on the hunt for starting pitching in return for center fielder Wil Myers (via MLB Trade Rumors). Potential trade partners include the Diamondbacks, Rays, Athletics, and yes, the Mariners.
• Although the highlight of last week’s roster moves was the overdue ousting of Chone Figgins, a handful of MiLBers received promotions to the 40-man roster: pitchers Brandon Maurer, Anthony Fernandez, and Bobby LaFromboise, infielder Vinnie Catricala, and outfielder Julio Morban.
• There may not be a single soul left in Seattle who wishes for the return of Ichiro Suzuki. For the few clinging to the hope of a re-signing, however, let me put your mind at ease: Ichiro has announced his desire to don the pinstripes again in 2013. His agent, Tony Attanasio, reports that Ichiro’s first preference is New York, although offers from other teams will be weighed if a deal is not struck (via MLB Trade Rumors).
• Needle Ball took a tour of Safeco Field yesterday, and had the privilege of seeing the field in all its half-finished glory. Currently, the scoreboard area is still vacant, and tentative lines have been drawn on the warning track for the re-formatted fences. As for the hand-operated scoreboard, no adjustments seem to have been decided upon quite yet. The Mariners offer year-round tours of Safeco Field, running Tuesday – Sunday at 12:30pm and 2:30pm. Tours last approximately 1.5 hours and tickets can be purchased online or at the team store.

Final score: Athletics 5, Mariners 2

Today, the Mariners put up a good fight. There’s not much more you can ask from a team who won’t break .500 by season’s end, and who has faced four playoff contenders over the last two weeks.

Erasmo Ramirez skidded on a season-high four walks, but finished with three hits, two earned runs, and six strikeouts over 6.1 IP. In his absence, the ‘pen relinquished three hits and two home runs, giving Oakland just enough of an edge to clinch the sweep. Wondering just how Seattle’s starters and relievers have fared lately? From Joshua Dobner of SeattleClubhouse.com:

@wcoastfangirl SPs have a 2.06 ERA the past two days allowing no home runs in 13.1 innings. Bullpen has a 20.25 ERA & 4 HRs in 4 innings.

— Joshua Dobner (@JPDobner) September 30, 2012

If only games were won on hits amassed, not runs, the Mariners would’ve had this one in the bag. Collectively, they put up 11 hits to the A’s 6, with two doubles from Franklin Gutierrez, a double from Brendan Ryan, and a triple by Casper Wells. Justin Smoak extended his hot streak as well, going 2-for-4 with a pair of base hits, an RBI, and a failed attempt to nab home plate. In September, he’s now batting .340/.421/.580.

While the Mariners gave the A’s a leg up in the quest for the West, their next task is to play spoiler to the Angels’ hopes of grabbing a wild card. They return home for a final three-game homestand beginning tomorrow, with Felix Hernandez on the mound against LHP C.J. Wilson.

Next game: vs. Angels | October 1 | 7:10pm

Final score: Mariners 6, Rangers 3

After a week of Twitter giveaways and #FANtasticFriday hashtags, the Mariners celebrated their annual Fan Appreciation Night with a plethora of giveaways and awards. Felix Hernandez was given the Mariners Moment of the Year for his perfecto. Munenori Kawasaki took home the Heart and Hustle Award for, well, just being himself. Randomly selected fans won round-trip airfare, autographed jerseys, signed balls, and snazzy electronics.

The best giveaway of the night, however, was a long-awaited win over the Rangers. In September, the Mariners have gone 7-11 in 18 games, swept by the Athletics and Orioles, and stringing four consecutive wins over this homestand. Against Martin Perez and a Texas lineup missing Adrian Beltre and Josh Hamilton, the M’s managed nine hits and a consistent multi-run lead through five innings.

Hisashi Iwakuma posted another solid outing with eight hits, three earned runs, and four strikeouts in seven innings. For the first time since Sunday, the ‘pen—consisting of Stephen Pryor and Tom Wilhelmsen—did not allow a run.

Providing all manner of run support was Franklin Gutierrez (triple laced down the left field line), Casper Wells (RBI double), Carlos Triunfel (tie-breaking double), Justin Smoak (3-for-4), and Miguel Olivo (2-run mash wrapped around the left field foul pole). Triunfel made his first MLB start at shortstop, giving Brendan Ryan an extra day of rest and turning two double plays.

Tomorrow evening, Blake Beavan will face LHP Matt Harrison. Should the Mariners emerge victorious once again, it will be the first time they’ve strung consecutive wins since last week’s trek to Toronto.

Next game: vs. Rangers | September 22 | 6:10pm

H/T to Steven for the title of tonight’s recap. I can’t take any credit for this one.

Final score: Athletics 6, Mariners 1

What’s happening in Oakland?

Or, more accurately, what’s happening to Oakland in Seattle?

Hisashi Iwakuma followed the script handed to Felix Hernandez last night, exiting after 3.2 IP and a grand total of 6 hits, 5 runs, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts. Stephen Pryor received the nod as handpicked closer of the night, ending the ‘pen’s 17-inning scoreless streak with an RBI sac fly to Yoenis Cespedes in the 9th.

Tonight, there were no MLB debuts or single baseball fans to distract us from another 6-1 loss. For the second night in a row, Cespedes benefitted from another error, this time scoring Oakland’s first run on a line drive popped off Kyle Seager’s glove.

For their part, the Mariners found little satisfaction in scoring runs, redeeming Michael Saunders’ Safeco’d home run on an RBI force out by Trayvon Robinson. After the A’s broke out with four runs in the 4th, the M’s retaliated with three hits and a walk, sticking one man in scoring position and and forgetting to find ways to drive him home.

Tomorrow, the Mariners look to escape a sweep with Jason Vargas on the mound against Oakland southpaw Tommy Milone.

Next game: vs. Athletics | September 9 | 1:10pm

Final score: Athletics 6, Mariners 1

Remember how, in the series preview, I told you to expect some regression from Felix Hernandez? Remember how I told you the Oakland A’s would be poised for a bit of revenge on the A.L. West after being swept at the hands of the Angels? Remember how I told you that there would be an outburst of scoring in Safeco Field this weekend, starting tonight?

Oops.

This was a bad one. Felix Hernandez was bad, giving up 11 hits over 4.2 innings and not doing anything to help his Cy Young chances down the stretch. The offense was bad, mustering only seven hits and one run. Even the defense was bad, with Eric Thames misplaying a pop fly, allowing Seth Smith to score from first.

Carlos Triunfel made his long-awaited Major League debut in the ninth inning… and struck out on three pitches. Alex Liddi made his less-awaited return to the Majors… and struck out to end the game. Hector Noesi made the least-awaited return to the Majors in the history of the Majors… and somehow escaped unscathed after walking the first batter he faced and giving up a double.

Luis Jimenez got the first hit of his Major League career, which was fun. Just about the only fun anybody in Seattle had during the game.

Next game: vs. Athletics | September 8 | 6:10 pm

The Mariners are currently on an extended hot streak and are one of the best teams in baseball since the All-Star break. There are few teams playing better these days than the Mariners. Unfortunately for them, their upcoming opponent, the Oakland Athletics, are one of the teams that has been.

Current record: 76-60.

Last series: vs. Angels. The A’s actually got swept at home by the Angels, scoring five runs to the Angels’ 21. What was even worse, however, was the loss of pitcher Brandon McCarthy, who was hit in the head by an Erick Aybar line drive and underwent surgery this morning. While the A’s have had a rough couple of days, they are still atop the A.L. Wild Card standings and hope to make the postseason for the first time since 2006.

Last series against Seattle: July 6 – July 8, 2012. Both the first and third games of this series were losses, with relievers Jordan Norberto and Oliver Perez picking up the wins and losses, respectively. The Mariners did, however, manage to win game two by a final score of 7-1. After this series, the Mariners found themselves at 36-51 while the A’s were at 43-43. Since then, the Mariners are 31-20 and the A’s are 33-17. To say that both teams have made drastic improvements since their last meeting would be an understatement. In case you’re curious, the Angels are 26-25 and the Rangers are 30-21 in that same time frame.

Familiar Faces: Surprisingly, the only former Mariner on the Oakland roster is Travis Blackley, who wasn’t much of a Mariner anyway. You know how Taijuan Walker, Danny Hultzen and James Paxton are heralded as the “big three” pitching prospects in the Mariners’ farm system? Rewind eight years, and you’ll find another big three that consisted of Travis Blackley, Clint Nageotte and Felix Hernandez. Due to injuries and poor performance, Blackley obviously never lived up to expectations and has bounced around between the majors, minors and Korea. I guess the moral of the story is… don’t count on the big three just yet. Or, alternatively, they could turn into Felix Hernandez. Take your pick.

Pitching matchups:

Friday – Felix Hernandez vs. RHP A.J. Griffin. It’s going to be 84 and sunny on Friday evening at Safeco Field. Felix is pitching, which means the presence of King’s Court. It’s Singles Night in The ‘Pen. Need I go on?

Saturday – Hisashi Iwakuma vs. LHP Brett Anderson. Remember earlier in the year when Hisashi Iwakuma was getting just about as much playing time as Brett Anderson, who was on the DL? Times have changed. Iwakuma has been the pitcher the Mariners were hoping for (and the one the Athletics tried to sign last year) as of late – he has lowered his ERA to 3.14 and holds an ERA+ of 119. Since being moved to the starting rotation on July 2^nd, he has gone at least five innings in every game, going eight on three separate occasions. As a starter, he’s now 5-2 with a 2.42 ERA. As much as he was an afterthought earlier in the year, Iwakuma is now an integral part of the Mariners going forward – assuming he’ll re-sign with the team. For the A’s, Brett Anderson is what he always has been – good when healthy. He’s 3-0 with a shiny ERA of 0.90 on the year, as he just came back from the DL.

Sunday – Jason Vargas vs. LHP Tommy Milone. Jason Vargas, believe it or not, has 14 wins on the season. He has more wins than Justin Verlander, Zack Greinke, CC Sabathia, Matt Cain and Felix Hernandez. He would be the team leader in wins on 21 of 30 teams. Rookie Tommy Milone hasn’t had a bad year either, compiling a record of 11-10 and an ERA under 4.

Expected results: Runs are going to be hard to come by in this series, with six good pitchers taking the hill over the weekend. It wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest to see less than ten runs scored at Safeco between Friday and Sunday. That being said, the Mariners are throwing their three best pitchers on the mound and it’s a tough three to compete with. Anything less than a 2-1 outcome for the Mariners will be a disappointment.

Final score: Mariners 2, Red Sox 1

Tonight, the Mariners won their 67th game of 2012. If your Seattle fandom is more than a year old, you know that the M’s have now matched their win total from last season, when they finished with a record of 67-95.

For all the complaining about a slow rebuild, the sudden surge of wins that had us eying a postseason berth, and the steady decline that put them out of the running (again), it’s nice to have tangible proof of progress.

A few highlights from the game:

• 11 of tonight’s 12 hits were singles. Dustin Ackley drove in two runs on an RBI single in the 4th, while Cody Ross claimed the game’s only extra base hit on an RBI double in the 6th.
• Kevin Millwood boosted his record to 5-12 with four hits, a run, three walks, and three strikeouts in six IP. He made it through 5.1 innings and 21 batters before allowing a run on Ross’s double.
• Following Cody’s rally attempt in the 6th, the two teams allowed just four baserunners, a Mariner and two Red Sox. Jacoby Ellsbury was the only player to reach base on a hit.
• According to Todd Dybas, Aaron Cook set a season-high record of five strikeouts, all recorded within the first three innings and 14 batters faced. Trayvon Robinson recorded two of the five strikeouts.
• Following tonight’s game, the Boston Red Sox now sit a comfortable four games behind the Mariners.

Next game: vs. Athletics | September 7 | 7:10pm

Series split: Angels 2, Mariners 1

You wouldn’t know it from this weekend’s boxscores, but the Angels aren’t exactly poised to take over the AL West. They sit 8.5 games back of the Rangers, and 5.5 games behind the Athletics (pinch me, I’m dreaming and I want to wake up). Of course, I only point this out to reassure you that while the Mariners may not be headed for a World Series run, neither is the Mike Trout Club.

Game One — Angels 9, Mariners 1

Kevin Millwood tacked on loss No. 12 to his record, handing over 9 hits, 5 runs, and 4 walks in a brief 5 inning appearance. The Mariners scored early, getting aboard in the 1st on a pair of singles by Franklin Gutierrez and John Jaso. However, the ‘pen provided extra insurance runs for the Angels, allowing an additional 4 runs and burying any realistic hope of a comeback.

Game Two — Angels 5, Mariners 2

Felix pitched. On any given Felix Day, I could leave the recap at that simple statement. Despite Trayvon Robinson’s home run and Guti’s RBI double, the Angels caught a clown ball inning from the Mariners, taking a 3-run lead on a fielding error, wild pitch (Pryor’s, not Felix’s), and passed ball.

Game Three — Mariners 2, Angels 1

Not only was this the first win of the homestand, but it marked the first time this year that the Mariners beat the Angels at Safeco Field. Hisashi Iwakuma extended his streak to 10.1 scoreless innings, allowing just 5 hits in 7.1 innings and 7 strikeouts. He struck out Mike Trout. He struck out Mark Trumbo three times. The Mariners managed two runs off Jered Weaver, both solo shots by Jesus Montero and Carlos Peguero.

Tomorrow, the Mariners celebrate Labor Day with a series opener against the Boston Red Sox. Here’s a fun fact for you: though neither team looks anywhere close to playoff contention, the M’s lead the Sox by three games. So, while I’ve lowered my expectations enough to simply hope that the Mariners will be a constant source of frustration for their AL West rivals this month, it would be nice to see Boston sitting a full 5.5 games behind Seattle this Wednesday.

Next game: vs. Red Sox | September 3 | 1:10pm