THE CHEAP SEATS with STEVE CAMERON: The Mariners, and their approach to draft, develop and trade

Can you picture this Mariner team in the World Series? 

Seriously. 

OK, we know the legit answer to that question. 

There’s a better one, though, and I’d like you to give it some thought. 

We’re creeping toward the MLB trading deadline — July 31 at 3 p.m. 

That’s it for moving players on the 40-man roster, and that difference is worth noting in the case of the Mariners. 

If Jerry Dipoto and his algorithm army actually piece together a deal in the next couple of weeks, the odds are pretty good that someone leaving the Seattle organization will NOT yet be on the 40-man roster. 

Jerry would trade the local Door Dash kid if he could find a buyer.  

That brings me to the issue of the day. 

The Mariners’ philosophy, by their own admission, has been shortened to DDT. 

Draft, develop and trade. 

You’ve heard all this by now, and the fact that Seattle has nine (or 10) prospects within the best-known lists of 100 stars-to-be suggests that Jerry is loaded with ammo right now. 

I’D LIKE to focus on something about this DDT way of life, however. 

No one ever mentions the other side of it. 

The goal of draft, develop and trade is to build the core of a contending team — a group that can make an impact over several years — and then use the “trade” piece to fill in critical spots as you shoot for the World Series. 

The possible glitch in the system is pretty obvious. 

You’re wasting time trying to add a piece here and a piece there if you don’t have enough talent and depth throughout the core roster. 

Fans in Colorado would giggle if the Rockies told the media that they’re looking for that one impact outfielder to spark a September run. 

It would have to be a hell of a dash, since the Rocks are saddled currently with a record of 21-69, a mere 34 1/2 games adrift of the Dodgers in the NL West. 

Are you getting the picture? 

In this era of three division winners and three wild-card teams claiming playoff spots, almost everyone is still wishing and hoping as we hit July. 

You know what? 

If a few organizations weren’t lost in dreams about what STILL could happen (but won’t), they could take serious advantage of the trade market and maybe build a foundation for the future. 

That brings us full circle to the Mariners. 

Houston is long gone as the AL West winner, leaving the M’s clawing for one of the three wild-card spots. 

Yeah, that race can be fun since Seattle has suffered centuries between playoff runs, but the REAL goal should be building a roster to win the division. 

WE NEED an honest look at the Mariners. 

The timing is good, too, since they start a six-game road trip tonight — three bouts at Yankee Stadium, then three at Detroit. 

The Yanks have been struggling a bit, but the Tigers are on fire — so let’s see if Seattle’s blah 48-42 record means they’re heading upward or if they’re heading … blah. 

You probably guessed this, but “blah” doesn’t win a World Series.

It would take some courage to break up this Mariners roster while there’s still some mathematical shot at making the playoffs. 

You can say: “The pitchers are getting healthy, with Logan (Gilbert) finding his stuff, and the bullpen is deeper than it’s been all year. 

“The offense is getting help from Luke Raley and Dom (Canzone), and it looks like Randy has gotten hot. 

“If Julio (Rodriguez) starts making contact, look out.” 

Sure. 

You can SAY such things, but the odds on all this going right are about the same as hitting 16 at the blackjack table. 

Unless Julio gets white-hot, the Mariners will need a visit to Lourdes. 

Question: If the Mariners struggle over the next few weeks, would Jerry take a deep breath and break up the band? 

Maybe he should let all his prospects work their way to The Show, instead of trading them for a group of vets who are hitting .230 with runners in scoring position. 

Hmmm. 

Off to New York. 

Email: [email protected] 

Steve Cameron’s “Cheap Seats” columns appear in The Press three times each week, normally Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday unless, you know, stuff happens. 

Steve suggests you take his opinions in the spirit of a Jimmy Buffett song: “Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On.”