John Hickey is reporting that Mike Morse, nearly fully recovered from the seperated shoulder he suffered early in the season, is preparing to head down to winter ball to get some work in at first base.

Getting Morse some reps at first base isn’t a bad idea.  He has proved that he can’t play shortstop or the outfield, so first base appears to the logical place for him to try next.  He has limited experience at the position in Seattle and Tacoma.

This topic should probably be covered in the offseason or spring training, but there isn’t much going on lately so we might as well start off a little debate.  Who do you want playing first base in 2009, realistically?

In house options:

Mike Morse- Not the most graceful guy out in the field but he should be able to handle first defensively.  He’s a big guy, but seemingly lost his power after being traded to Seattle in 2004.  Slaps the ball around and could probably put up a passable average as a major leaguer, but I doubt he’ll continue to hit .300.

Bryan LaHair - Currently platooning with Miguel Cairo, who is a free agent after the season.  So-so plate discipline to go along with no power.  He’s showed some gap power in AAA, but has been basically a big slow singles hitter with Seattle this season.

Craig Wilson - Veteran first baseman that was picked up when Richie Sexson was released.  Peaked about five years ago with Pittsburgh, but still has some pop and can draw a few walks.  He’s right handed but can’t hit lefties.

Shawn Garrett - Non prospect and probably a non factor.  The 29 year old switch hitter put up respectable numbers for Seattle’s AA and AAA affiliates, but isn’t any better than the guys listed above.

Jeff Clement - Struggled behind the plate this season and is about to have knee surgery.  His future isn’t behind the plate, so Seattle could choose to move him to first base next season.  I don’t think they want to give up on him as a catcher just yet, but with Kenji Johjima under contract for another three seasons and Rob Johnson done with AAA baseball, Clement may be moved sooner than later, especially if he doesn’t respond well to knee surgery. 

Matt Tuiasosopo could be considered if you want to get really creative.  He isn’t good defensively at third base, and is now on the 40-man roster so anything can happen.  Don’t count on it though, because Seattle needs to be grooming him to replace Adrian Beltre when he leaves.

Cheap free agents:

Seattle isn’t going to be pursuing the Mark Teixieras of the world, but there are a couple guys that could make sense.

Erik Hinske - Is having a decent campaign with the Rays this season, hitting .248/.331/.478 with 19 homers so far.  His lefty bat would fit nicely at Safeco.

Tony Clark - Seattle has expressed interest in the past.  The veteran has struggled in the past couple seasons in a part-time role, but the switch hitter may be able to prove he has something left in the tank with regular playing time.

Scott Hatteberg - Not sure if Hatty has anything left in the tank or the desire to continue playing, but he puts together good at bats and would be a cheap one year stopgap for the team.  He hit .310/.394/.474 as recently as 2007.

Jim Thome and Jason Giambi would be good fits in Seattle’s lineup, but neither should play anywhere but DH next season.

Possible trade targets:

Nick Johnson - The oft-injured Nationals first baseman would give Seattle two things they desperately need: on-base skills and lefty pop (110 walks, 23 homers last season).  He’d probably come relatively cheap.

So what would you do?  Have any other ideas?  Try and keep it cheap and realistic to go along with Seattle’s plan to keep the offseason spending to a minimum.