Historically it has been better to be a seller than a buyer at the trading deadline.
Buyers often give up players they later regret letting get away.
The Mariners have one of the young prospects in demand in 20-year-old center fielder Adam Jones, who was just promoted from Triple-A Tacoma.
“Jones is here to play,” Mariners manager Mike Hargrove said. “Our minor-league people told us he’s ready.”
Jones, who moved from shortstop to the outfield only last season, said his goal was to get to the big leagues by age 22. He was hitting .277 with 14 homers and 13 stolen bases in 82 games.
“We are going to be patient; I think he’s going to do well,” Hargrove said. “I had Kenny Lofton early in his career. Now I’m not comparing them, except they both have speed. Kenny made mistakes, and Adam is going to make mistakes. But he’ll learn too.”
The Nationals reportedly are demanding Jones be in any deal for Alfonso Soriano.
