Rumor has it that Dustin Ackley will be called up to the Major League team next week following the Philadelphia Phillies series. The super two arbitration rule has been a factor for his arrival date along with Ackley's progression defensively at 2B. However, now that we are in the middle of June, the super two rule"deadline" is approaching and scouts have told reporters that Ackley looks much more comfortable at 2B these days. An ESPN article (link below) has Dustin Ackley's ETA listed as "any day". We all know the Mariners could use his bat.
So what happens when Ackley is called up? The 2B position has been manned by Jack Wilson and Adam Kennedy throughout the season. Adam Kennedy is hitting over .280 and has played decent defense. Jack Wilson, struggling at the plate with a .237 average, has always been a strong player defensively. Ackley, when called up, will no doubt take much of the playing time at 2B, probably playing 5 of 7 games at a time. Do the Mariners trade Jack Wilson? They can't even think about discarding Kennedy as he leads the entire team for batting average.
Here are two options for Jack Z and Wedge:
1. Trade Jack Wilson for a prospect(s). Wilson has value on the defensive side and can still provide a .250 average. Freddy Sanchez was recently hurt and the Giants could be a suitor.
2. Send down Luis Rodriguez. This would allow Ackley to come up and play 2B with Jack Wilson playing on Ackley's days off. Wedge would then have to utilize Kennedy in different ways such as taking time away from Chone Figgins at 3B and DH'ing him. Luis Rodriguez is only hitting .167 and Jack Wilson still provides depth at SS. The only downside to this approach, is that it will take time away from either Carp, Peguero, or Cust when Kennedy is the DH.
ChatSports’ Mariner Dugout:
ESPN Article with Dustin Ackley's ETA and short preview
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