The Seattle Mariners traded versatile reserve Ben Broussard to the Texas Rangers for minor league infielder Tug Hulett – then offered left-hander Horacio Ramirez a 2008 contract.

The trade of Broussard, who batted .275 with seven home runs and 29 RBI last year, saved the team a bit more than $4 million.

Keeping Ramirez is liable to lose them fans. The man acquired from Atlanta in a trade of Rafael Soriano was 8-7 last season before being yanked from the rotation, and finished the year with a 7.16 ERA.

Why bring Ramirez back?

The team believes new pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre can salvage something from the 28-year-old lefty.

Broussard, meanwhile, was dealt within the AL West for a 24-year-old middle infielder who batted .275 last season in AAA.