Orioles, Mets, Rays asking about Mariners’ Nick Franklin

With the signing of Robinson Cano, the Seattle Mariners found themselves with an extra middle infielder.

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports that three teams have interest in the Seattle Mariners’ Nick Franklin, who has been rumored to be on the trade block. The Mets seem to be the team with the most pressing need of a middle infielder, especially at shortstop; the problem there is that Nick Franklin is primarily a second baseman, and some experts do not believe he has the range or arm to be a successful shortstop.

"Second base might be Franklin’s best position, but Mets scouts are gauging whether he can play shortstop. The Mariners have determined that they will go with Brad Miller, who is having a great spring, at shortstop. Franklin’s second-base opportunity went away in Seattle when the Mariners signed Robinson Cano, who is 12 for 19 so far this spring."

One place that makes sense as a potential landing spot for Franklin is in Baltimore with the Orioles. Right now, Baltimore manager Buck Showalter is using a combination of Ryan Flaherty, Alexi Casilla, and prospect Jonathan Schoop in Spring Training games at second base. Schoop is putting on the best show of the three, batting .500 so far. Casilla has been dealing with leg injuries in the past few days, so the Orioles could opt to trade for Franklin.

Last season, the 23-year old Franklin logged 102 games for the Mariners, hitting .225/.303/.382 with 12 homers. He has 96 games logged at second base, as opposed to only three at shortstop.