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The Mariners should not gouge and embarrass a man they hope will anchor their lineup. If the Mariners use this qualifying offer thing to get a bargain on their minor star, and he is stuck until February without a team because of it, then this will create badwill among free agents whether the M's sign him or not. The Mariners have enough problems signing free agents without letting Morales be treated like Laroche, Lohse and Bourn were by their QO teams. a 3X45 deal is in the ballpark of what Morales would receive without the QO issue, and would allow him to save face and be a happy Mariner rather than an angry ex Mariner like Brandon Morrow. Angry ex Mariners tend to return and put a hurting on the club.