Could this mean there is a trade in the works???

Well, I guess that solves our 3rd string catcher situation. I don't mind the addition as long as there is true competition for the starting spots in spring training. Ibanez has always hit well in spring training so you can count on him to put up a good fight. I will say if Ibanez is given a starting position without outplaying one of our younger players, I'll be sorely disappointed.

Someone will have to disappear because the roster is full. This move really seems like a stretch, given that Ibanez is a 40 year old outfielder/DH with bad defense.

I should have finished reading the article. Shannon already pointed out that a roster move would need to be made:P Still, this really isn't very exciting.

tell me if im wrong, but this is what my gut is telling me after letting this sit for a bit... 1) this smells of Eric Wedge. he's always been big on veteran leadership presence. not saying Jack doesn't back this 100%, or have other things up his sleeve, just that there are more than just saber metric reasons for this move... 2) Raul was able to hit in safeco. Wedge really didn't seem to like the negative undertone re the park size last year. this is not only veteran leadership then, but a guy who can say from experience that its possible to be a productive hitter here, not to mention a guy who enjoys playing in safeco. 3) K'Mo + Raul = Vargas As far as post-arbitration salary is concerned. maybe that makes it a bit easier to digest? 4) The moves to come may not be what we think... To ship out smoak or montero would be selling way too low. even if they end up flopping completely, the difference in what we get back now vs worst case scenario doesn't seem to be remarkably different. I feel like big z always surprises us, and vets like the ones we've signed tend to break camp as far as the M's are concerned. is it possible that jack hangs on to our pieces, but sends smoak to start the season in AAA till he can prove his Sep mojo hasn't been lost? that way the vets can still influence the club house from the beginning of the season and maybe thwart the slow hitting starts that plague us. Smoak has always been a slow starter, why not let him come when he's "got it" and then ship off a vet as a rental if they're doing good. best of both world's no? If one or both flop, then we know where our free agent money will go next year.

It may sound funny, But I kinda Like this move...1. we have added 3 veteran bats to our team with only losing one player(Vargas).Not saying they will all work out but like the attempt without giving up much.2.We can still make a Move with someone to get another bat or Arm. if we do make a move and Trade again, we would be able to not gut our farm system but still get better. Ibanez is a temp player anyways so he can Platoon with someone for playing time.As for the logjam at DH/1B/C.. Look for another move coming, either a trade to ship someone out or someone will end up at AAA to start the season..I like Smoak and Hope he sticks with the M's but he may be the odd man out here. Morales is basically the same player just a bit older. However,the fact that he Morales is a FA next season may mean Smoaky is stickin around, kind of as a lets see what ya got one more year kinda thing. There will be more moves coming. we will get a Veteran Arm like Saunders or Porcello to come in. and I have a gut feeling that we will see Jason Kubel in Right field for the M's this season. but thats just a feeling...that being said, we have added some Vet depth and this should help the kids mature and learn from guys like Ibanez.. Should be an interesting year...GO M's

two of those bats are no longer proven hitters! and morales no longer has pujols, trout, trumbo and company to protect/help him, so we don't know how they will pitch(or walk) him!!hopefully he will hit for decent avg... as for losing "just one player..." jason vargas started 15 games last season and gave up 2 runs or less!! 10 of those games he gave up only 1 run, one shut-out! what we lost in Vargas was substantial compared to two "veteran" bats that have performed less than their own career AVGs and we have NO reason to believe they can improve on their numbers! i like morales but don't compare bay and raul to Vargas, not at this point in their careers!!

......I suspect someone younger may be expendable, if they can get something of value in return. Awaiting and then some...