Re: Baseball musical chairs? Benitez to Mariners for Nelson.
Nelson made some public complaints about the Mariner's front office failing to improve the team before the deadline. Without those comments, I don't think this trade would have happened.
It's possible that the Mariners want Benitez as an emergency closer just in case Kazuhiro Sasaki isn't able to return to form when he gets of the DL. However, Shigetosi Hasegawa has been so excellent in the role, I think the Mariners should leave him there even when Sasaki is back and 100% healthy.
Overall, the trade is a wash talent wise. But, the Mariners get rid of a player who's been bitching and the Yankees get rid of a player who isn't popular in New York.
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