Michael

Morse

With Willie Bloomquist playing fairly regularly at second base, Morse and Yuniesky Betancourt are sharing time at shortstop now. Considering that Morse isn’t hitting and Betancourt is the far superior defender, it’s obvious who should be getting the majority of the at-bats. Still, it might be for the best if Bloomquist cools off and manager Mike Hargrove begins playing both youngsters again.

The move could make sense with all the infield depth in the Mariner organization and with Morse making 11 errors in a five game stretch last month.

Morse started the game at DH and moved to left field after Raul Ibanez was removed. He might get some starts in the outfield soon.

Morse was making his first start in a week. Maybe he earned himself some extra playing time, but he’s not Seattle’s best option at shortstop.

Hargrove doesn’t see Morse at DH long-term, but said he has seen enough to suggest he may become a legitimate power hitter in the future.

The Mariners either need to use Morse against all left-handers, preferably platooning him with Carl Everett, or to send him back to Triple-A so that he can play regularly. Starting him once per week isn’t the answer.

Morse is likely only up for Richie Sexson’s stay on the bereavement list, though he’ll be back with a more substantial role in September.

Morse went 1-for-2 while Richie Sexson was on the bereavement list. He’ll rejoin the Mariners next month.

With Adrian Beltre and Willie Bloomquist both limited by injuries, the Mariners needed someone capable of helping out in the infield. Morse might only be up for the short-term. With a .227/.278/.417 line for Tacoma, he didn’t earn the promotion.

We guessed Roberto Petagine was a goner with Eduardo Perez’s arrival, but the Mariners instead are demoting Morse, even though the 24-year-old was 8-for-21 with seven RBI. Maybe it’s the right move. Manager Mike Hargrove hardly ever rests his regulars and was unwilling to turn Willie Bloomquist’s at-bats over to Morse, so Morse could benefit more from playing in Triple-A.