Broussard Trade, Non-tender Info

The Seattle Mariners had four non-tender candidates going into tonights deadline: George Sherrill, Horacio Ramirez, John Parrish and Ben Broussard.

There was never any doubt that Sherrill was going to be brought back, as he was solid as anyone in last year's bullpen. The only other player retained was Horacio Ramirez. Shocking to some, but I figured this would happen. Bavasi doesn't want to give up on HoRam just yet, not after giving up Rafael Soriano for him. It's not a bad idea to keep him just to compete with the other starters.

John Parrish and Ben Broussard are finished in Seattle. Parrish was non-tendered, no surprise, but Broussard was actually traded. This is a good move by Bavasi, because at least they got something back for him. Broussard was sent to the Texas Rangers for 2B/UT Tug Hulett. Hulett is nothing special, but should be able to challenge Jose Lopez at second in Spring Training. He's left handed, which is always nice, and can play third base as well. He's got a little pop, and knows how to draw some walks. Tug's father, Tim Hulett, was a 12-year major league veteran. You can read a little bit about Tug here. Does anyone else look at that photo and think Dustin Pedroia?

Broussard couldn't be happier right now. He now plays just a couple of hours from his home, and will get much more playing time. He should find himself in a platoon situation with Chris Shelton, something he is accustomed to after sharing at bats with Eduardo Perez in both Cleveland and Seattle. [GE-SHE HO-RAM BE-BRO TU-HUL]