The Seattle Mariners have traded outfielder Wladimir Balentien to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for reliever Robert Manuel. The 25-year-old was designated for assignment by the Mariners last weekend to make room for Michael Saunders, who joined the big league team. Balentien batted .213 (OBP .271/SLG .355) with four homeruns, 18 runs scored and 13 RBI in 56 games for Seattle in 2009. In 130 games over his career he has a batting average of .209 (OBP .260/SLG .359). The Reds brought him in, as they are short-handed after injuries to outfielders Jay Bruce and Chris Dickerson. Manager Dusty Baker said to the Associated Press:
“He’s strong,” Baker said. “He’s a little bit rough. He hadn’t played that much lately. He has some tools. He hasn’t played in a while, so I might take a few days to get him in the lineup.”
