Martin trade gives Mariners 'legitimate' center fielder

Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto described his acquisition of Leonys Martin from Texas on Monday as a buy-low opportunity. Not bad for a player Dipoto believes is among the very best at his position.

"We feel like (Martin’s) a legitimate starting center fielder, and we’re starting to see the semblance of an outfield," Dipoto told reporters following the Mariners' five-player trade with the Rangers. "With Seth Smith and (Franklin Gutierrez) in left, and Leonys in center, and Nelson Cruz in right, now we just have to continue to add the glue around them to fill in the blanks."

Limited to 95 games last season because of wrist and hand injuries, Martin hit just .219/.264/.313 with five home runs and 14 stolen bases for the division-winning Rangers. His disappointing campaign hit rock bottom when he batted .182 with a .432 OPS during the second half and was left off the Rangers' playoff roster.

Despite his career-worst struggles, Dipoto said Martin's speed and above-average arm are well-suited to the spacious confines of Safeco Field.

"I think we get one of the premier defensive center fielders in baseball," Dipoto said. "He's been among the best in the league over these last three years. He's coming off of a down year, and frankly that's when you acquire guys. There was a soft spot in the ability to acquire Leonys, and we took advantage of that."

Dipoto also noted that Anthony Bass, the other player acquired in Monday's deal, is expected to assume a multi-inning role out of the Mariners' bullpen. Bass and Martin were traded for right-hander Tom Wilhelmsen, outfielder James Jones, and a player to be named later.