One criticism has been levied at the Mariners consistently since the announcement of Wednesday's trade for slugger Mark Trumbo, that they acquired a low on-base percentage player when they rank last in the American League in OBP.
Manager Lloyd McClendon addressed that concern head-on before Friday's 7:10 matchup with the Tampa Bay Rays, and the way he sees it, the Mariners have the right pieces after the Trumbo trade and just need players to live up to their roles.
"We have guys that are paid to get on base that are not getting on base right now, and Trumbo's paid to drive them in.