THE CHEAP SEATS with STEVE CAMERON: Talking M's today, then my friend Bill tomorrow

HELLO: Under normal circumstances, I would be writing today about the death of basketball and broadcasting legend Bill Walton.

However, the circumstances are far from normal.

Bill was my friend.

That’s why I’m hoping you’ll let me have a day to process the many things I’d like to say about Big Bill.

Can we talk about him on Wednesday?

Thank you.

LET’S make a deal.

Or not.

Or maybe.

Are you puzzled?

I’m guessing that the Mariners hierarchy are at least slightly baffled, as well.

A combination of circumstances, including an excellent starting rotation and dismal competition in the AL West, have left Seattle bobbing along on top of the division.

You’re aware, obviously, that the Mariners are sitting in this odd playoff position despite flaws in two or three areas, roster spots where red lights and sirens flash and shout: “HELP! HELP!”

If you’re thinking this team needs another bat or two, well, yeah.

That one is pretty obvious — and it will be true even if Julio Rodriguez continues his return to superstar level.

The Mariners need another offensive star.

With all respect to Cal Raleigh, he is a basher.

When pitchers make terrible mistakes, Cal can rip.

His star status, though, belongs on behind the plate, where he’s a terrific defender, savvy pitch framer and (as the Mariners pitching staff will tell you) he calls a great game.

Cal is only a part-time offensive weapon, though.

A dramatic one from time to time, for sure, but not a player who can carry an offense.

I’M NOT sure where the Mariners can find this mysterious new bat.

Maybe one of the off-season acquisitions — Mitch Haniger, Mitch Garver or Jorge Polanco — will begin to hit the ball hard enough that it can’t be caught barehanded.

Watching those three at the plate, though, I’m not counting on any kind of explosion.

By the way, something bothers me about how the Mariners went about constructing this roster.

None of those three newcomers can run — oh, maybe Polanco is average, but he’s on base so rarely that it’s hard to tell.

So, they added these three to a lineup that already includes everyday players Raleigh and Ty France.

The Mariners are slow to the point of tedious.

Who on this club can really run?

Julio.

Dylan Moore (who became a starter by accident).

Luke Raley (the one great trade).

Josh Rojas (although he’s more of a good baserunner than a speedster).

Yes, they’ve called up flier Jonatan Clase a couple of times, but he has to prove he can get on base.

In other words, in addition to leading the major leagues in strikeouts — by several miles — the Mariners basically clog the bases and leave runners stranded because a whole posse of them are slow.

Assuming there isn’t a savior coming from their own system (and soon), the M’s almost certainly have to make a trade.

Personally, I’d test the White Sox’ resolve to keep Luis Robert Jr.

Would he cost plenty from your farm system (and maybe a starter like Bryce Miller)?

Yep.

Still, Robert would be a perfect partner for Julio.

Last year, Luis slashed .264/.315/.542 for an OPS of .857, with 38 homers, 20 stolen bases and a WAR of 5.1.

He’s won a Gold Glove, a Silver Slugger award (last season) and, best of all, he’s under club control through 2027 at an amazingly team-friendly price.

There is also a hip injury he suffered at the start of this year, from which he’s currently rehabbing with a return to Chicago expected in a couple of weeks.

Sometimes you have to put up the money and take the risk.

This one hollers to give it a shot, a deal that would impact the Mariners for years down the road.

THERE’S a second problem area that has to be fixed if the Mariners hope to create some serious space over .500.

It’s weird, too, because we all assume that this is a team strength.

At the moment, though, the bullpen is hurting.

Scott Servais can relax for six innings on most nights, because his starters are that good.

He doesn’t have to sweat the ninth if he’s got a lead, either, since Andres Munoz is becoming almost unhittable.

But the seventh and eighth?

Scary.

Ryne Stanek might find his old rhythm to go with plenty of velocity.

Lefty Tayler Saucedo is back from the IL, so that helps.

Mike Baumann was just obtained from Baltimore, and he’s a solid pro.

Meanwhile, once reliable Trent Thornton is getting whacked, and Gabe Speier has lost his once-peerless command.

The bullpen is a hope and a prayer until you get to Munoz.

OK, I won’t worry, since the Mariners have found relievers in parking lots and bus stations, and turned them into buzz saws.

Reliable arms for those middle innings will have to come from someplace, though, if this team is going to win 90-plus games.

A big-time bat and some help for the pen.

That shouldn’t be too difficult.

Right?

Email: scameron@cdapress.com

Steve Cameron’s “Cheap Seats” columns appear in The Press four times each week, normally Tuesday through

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.”