Another move out of the Jack Zduriencik handbook: The Mariners picked up veteran righthanded hitting outfielder Eric Byrners for practically nothing. Well, 400,000 dollars would be a lot to the average American, but for a major league team it is practically nothing. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks will pay 11 million to Byrnes after releasing him earlier this month.
Like most Zduriencik moves, its risky to a degree. Byrnes has missed a lot of time in the last two seasons due to injury and only played 136 games in that period. In 2007, he managed to play 160 games and stole a career high 50 bases, but with two lost years it will be interesting to see if he can bounce back.
But, as with most Jack Z moves, there is insurance. The M's have a Rightfielder (Ichiro), Centerfielder (Gutierrez), probable Leftfielder (Bradley), and Designated Hitter (Griffey), so Byrnes is not walking into a starting situation. The lack of money being spent on him also means that if Byrnes does not workout, it won't hurt the Mariners financially. Plus, Byrnes is excited to be picked up and willing to fit in wherever the Mariners find a spot for him, so no prima donna here. Definitely, another good move. Hopefully, there is still another move to make, cuz it would be nice to see at least one more veteran in that rotation.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Hernandez keeps his throne!
With the terms to be announced, Felix Hernandez and the M's have agreed to avoid an arbitration hearing and are working out a new multi-year deal. Obviously, this will eat up a bit of the mariners team salary over the next few years, but its nice to see the team take a chance on a proven ace and hopefully a Cy Young contender for years to come. It's nice to see a bevy good players being brought in for several years (Figgins, Gutierrez, Hernandez), versus some of the bloated contracts of the past (Silva, Sexson, Batista).
Friday, January 15, 2010
Another Day, Another Minor Move
Tommy Everidge was picked from the Oakland A's off waivers and could provide some right handed pop for the lineup. He had his first shot in the majors last year, playing 24 games for the A's and hitting .224 with a couple of homers and 7 rbis. His minor league numbers show that he could potentially break out as a premier power hitter in the major league level, but it will probably take some more time at Triple-A and some no pressure situations in the Bigs before he's ready to play regularly.
As time winds down, it'll be interesting to see if the Mariners have completed their offseason dealings yet.
As time winds down, it'll be interesting to see if the Mariners have completed their offseason dealings yet.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
What's Left To Do
Well, its been about a week since my last posting, reason being that there hasn't been a whole lot of crazy movement from the Mariner's front office. Franklin Gutierrez got his extension and the Mariners are currently working to get Felix Hernandez signed to one as well. Russell Branyan is moving on now that Casey Kotchman has been signed. Finally, the M's signed infielder Brad Nelson to a minor league contract.
Is there anything left? Plenty has already been soldified and the front office managed to achieve the goal they set out to do: continue to improve and fine tune a team that already turned itself around last year from an embarassing season two years ago. Sure, we could still use that right handed bat to occassionally DH and play leftfield, and it would definitely feel a bit more secure if we could find one more veteran for the rotation, but if we had to start the season with the roster as it currently is, I'd still put us as the favorite to win the AL West.
Still here's some rumors:
Starting Pitcher Ben Sheet is going to have a mound session for several MLB teams to evaluate his stuff. In addition to the Mariners, the Cubs and Rangers will have reps there to observe as well. Sheets missed 2009 due to injury, but went 13-9 in 2008 and 12-5 in 2007 for the Brewers. He has a lifetime ERA 3.72 and 7.6 Ks per 9 innings. If he can return to that form, he'd make a great 3rd starter.
Fernando Tatis, who I mentioned in a previous blog, could come to M's as DH/Utilityfielder. He's right handed and powerful.
Ryan Garko has been mentioned as another possibility since the Giants have too many cornerfielders at this moment. He has decent power as a righthanded hitter and except for his stint with the Giants, has been a consistent hit and on base threat. However, he is primarily a firstbaseman and has limited outfield experience.
Is there anything left? Plenty has already been soldified and the front office managed to achieve the goal they set out to do: continue to improve and fine tune a team that already turned itself around last year from an embarassing season two years ago. Sure, we could still use that right handed bat to occassionally DH and play leftfield, and it would definitely feel a bit more secure if we could find one more veteran for the rotation, but if we had to start the season with the roster as it currently is, I'd still put us as the favorite to win the AL West.
Still here's some rumors:
Starting Pitcher Ben Sheet is going to have a mound session for several MLB teams to evaluate his stuff. In addition to the Mariners, the Cubs and Rangers will have reps there to observe as well. Sheets missed 2009 due to injury, but went 13-9 in 2008 and 12-5 in 2007 for the Brewers. He has a lifetime ERA 3.72 and 7.6 Ks per 9 innings. If he can return to that form, he'd make a great 3rd starter.
Fernando Tatis, who I mentioned in a previous blog, could come to M's as DH/Utilityfielder. He's right handed and powerful.
Ryan Garko has been mentioned as another possibility since the Giants have too many cornerfielders at this moment. He has decent power as a righthanded hitter and except for his stint with the Giants, has been a consistent hit and on base threat. However, he is primarily a firstbaseman and has limited outfield experience.
Friday, January 8, 2010
2009-2010: Improvement
With all the moves made, how has this Mariner team improved over the 2009 edition? Here is some brief analysis of the position players when comparing last years projected opening day starters to 2010.
Catcher: kenji Johjima (2009) vs. Rob Johnson/Adam Moore (2010)
Well, Johjima came into the 2009 season as the long standing veteran and eventually found himself in a platoon with Johnson, thus making Johjima want to leave for Japan where a starting spot existed. Offensively, Johjima's experience made his bat a bit more reliable than Johnson's, though it will be interesting to see if Johnson's swing can improve after his first full year of hitting at the major league level. Johnson did become the favorite catcher of Felix Hernandez and led the AL in Catcher's ERA. If Cliff Lee likes throwing to Johnson as much as Felix does than the CY Young race could be closest among the Mariner's starting rotation. Moore is the rookie that management wants to see in the starting spot in the next few years and he has a stronger bat than Johnson. Also, with the pickups of Eliezer Alfonzo and Josh Bard, the M's have more depth at this position than last year.
First Base: Russell Branyan (2009) vs. Casey kotchman (2010)
Branyan had a breakout year, led the team with 31 home runs and was the only capable offensive producer at times. However, management was worried about his health (his season ended in August last year) and whether or not he'd put up the same numbers again. kotchman is younger, healthier, and wields one of the best gloves at first base. His plate discipline is also better than Branyan's, as kotchman manages to go more than 11 at bats per each strike-out. He may not have the power, but at nearly all other aspects of the game kotchman is the more skilled player over Branyan.
Second Base: Jose Lopez (2009) vs. Jose Lopez (2010)
Lopez put up some career numbers last year and it is doubtful that he will hit as many out of the park this year. However, with the lineup being filled with many on-base threats, perhaps pitchers will be forced to pitch strongly to Lopez. Either way, Lopez may see a slight drop in numbers.
Third Base: Adrian Beltre (2009) vs. Chone Figgins (2010)
Beltre had the glove and the power, though Safeco is not forgiving to right handed power. Figgins also has a glove, but in place of power, has the speed and the ability to reach base. While losing Beltre means less power from the right hand side, Figgins will provide more scoring opportunities than Beltre managed. Playing more to a small ball offense versus a long ball offense, Figgins is an upgrade offensively and at worst, the second best fielding third base the Mariners could have signed.
Shortstop: Yuniesky Betancourt (2009) vs. Jack Wilson (2010)
Betancourt was done as soon as he took out Endy Chavez in a fly ball situation where the infielder yields to the outfielder. Even though Wilson was not spectacular last season, should he be healthy, he's a vast improvement on the field and as a team member. His offense is on par with Yuniesky's, but his hustle is leaps and bounds above.
Leftfield: Wladimir Balentien/Bill Hall/Michael Saunders/Ryan Langerhans (2009) vs. Milton Bradley (2010)
This all hinges on if Bradley will work out with the M's or if he'll get himself released. Some cards in place for him to have a productive season, and it doesn't hurt that he's used to covering more ground in centerfield. At his best, Bradley is better in all facets of the game than any member of the 2009 platoon by far. At worst, get ready to see a lot of Saunders and Langerhans again.
Centerfield: Franklin Gutierrez (2009) vs. Franklin Gutierrez (2010)
Guti's confidence should jump up just a bit, because he;s about sign a rather large extension that will see him in Seattle through 2016. He also will not have to hit in the two-hole.
Rightfield: Ichiro (2009) vs. Ichiro (2010)
Hmmm..., he is getting older right? With more people hitting behind him that can reach base, he should score more.
Designated Hitter: Griffey/Mike Sweeney (2009) vs. Griffey/Bradley/? (2010)
Griffey had his knees scooped and seems to be gearing up for an optimistic 2010. He may play less than 2009, but Bradley is a stronger platoon mate than Sweeney was. Word on the street is that the M's may be in the market for fourth outfielder/designated hitter type still, so we may not even be settled at this spot.
Catcher: kenji Johjima (2009) vs. Rob Johnson/Adam Moore (2010)
Well, Johjima came into the 2009 season as the long standing veteran and eventually found himself in a platoon with Johnson, thus making Johjima want to leave for Japan where a starting spot existed. Offensively, Johjima's experience made his bat a bit more reliable than Johnson's, though it will be interesting to see if Johnson's swing can improve after his first full year of hitting at the major league level. Johnson did become the favorite catcher of Felix Hernandez and led the AL in Catcher's ERA. If Cliff Lee likes throwing to Johnson as much as Felix does than the CY Young race could be closest among the Mariner's starting rotation. Moore is the rookie that management wants to see in the starting spot in the next few years and he has a stronger bat than Johnson. Also, with the pickups of Eliezer Alfonzo and Josh Bard, the M's have more depth at this position than last year.
First Base: Russell Branyan (2009) vs. Casey kotchman (2010)
Branyan had a breakout year, led the team with 31 home runs and was the only capable offensive producer at times. However, management was worried about his health (his season ended in August last year) and whether or not he'd put up the same numbers again. kotchman is younger, healthier, and wields one of the best gloves at first base. His plate discipline is also better than Branyan's, as kotchman manages to go more than 11 at bats per each strike-out. He may not have the power, but at nearly all other aspects of the game kotchman is the more skilled player over Branyan.
Second Base: Jose Lopez (2009) vs. Jose Lopez (2010)
Lopez put up some career numbers last year and it is doubtful that he will hit as many out of the park this year. However, with the lineup being filled with many on-base threats, perhaps pitchers will be forced to pitch strongly to Lopez. Either way, Lopez may see a slight drop in numbers.
Third Base: Adrian Beltre (2009) vs. Chone Figgins (2010)
Beltre had the glove and the power, though Safeco is not forgiving to right handed power. Figgins also has a glove, but in place of power, has the speed and the ability to reach base. While losing Beltre means less power from the right hand side, Figgins will provide more scoring opportunities than Beltre managed. Playing more to a small ball offense versus a long ball offense, Figgins is an upgrade offensively and at worst, the second best fielding third base the Mariners could have signed.
Shortstop: Yuniesky Betancourt (2009) vs. Jack Wilson (2010)
Betancourt was done as soon as he took out Endy Chavez in a fly ball situation where the infielder yields to the outfielder. Even though Wilson was not spectacular last season, should he be healthy, he's a vast improvement on the field and as a team member. His offense is on par with Yuniesky's, but his hustle is leaps and bounds above.
Leftfield: Wladimir Balentien/Bill Hall/Michael Saunders/Ryan Langerhans (2009) vs. Milton Bradley (2010)
This all hinges on if Bradley will work out with the M's or if he'll get himself released. Some cards in place for him to have a productive season, and it doesn't hurt that he's used to covering more ground in centerfield. At his best, Bradley is better in all facets of the game than any member of the 2009 platoon by far. At worst, get ready to see a lot of Saunders and Langerhans again.
Centerfield: Franklin Gutierrez (2009) vs. Franklin Gutierrez (2010)
Guti's confidence should jump up just a bit, because he;s about sign a rather large extension that will see him in Seattle through 2016. He also will not have to hit in the two-hole.
Rightfield: Ichiro (2009) vs. Ichiro (2010)
Hmmm..., he is getting older right? With more people hitting behind him that can reach base, he should score more.
Designated Hitter: Griffey/Mike Sweeney (2009) vs. Griffey/Bradley/? (2010)
Griffey had his knees scooped and seems to be gearing up for an optimistic 2010. He may play less than 2009, but Bradley is a stronger platoon mate than Sweeney was. Word on the street is that the M's may be in the market for fourth outfielder/designated hitter type still, so we may not even be settled at this spot.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Swan Song to the Big Unit
Well the greatest Seattle Mariner pitcher of all time is calling it a day. Randy Johnson will not be coming back for 2010 after 22 seasons and is definitely to be first round hall of famer when the time comes in five years. Ironically, his 300th win and last major milestone came with the San Francisco Giants, whose star pitcher Gaylord Perry earned his 300th win with the Mariners back in 1982. Tit for tat I guess.
His other credentials are more than worthy. Johnson posted 303 wins with a 3.29 ERA and 4875 strikeouts. Among lifetime leaders, Johnson's 2nd in strikeouts (Only pitcher with more is Nolan Ryan) and 1st in strikeouts per 9 innings (10.6098). He threw 2 no hitters, one of which was a perfect game and he won the Cy Young Award 5 times, 4 of which he won consecutively from 1999-2002.
Now, in light of Edgar Martinez's poor showing at his first hall of fame voting and the uncertainty of how he will fare in future voting, Johnson could be the first player voted into the hall of fame with a Mariners cap. He did throw one of those no hitters with Seattle and he was the first and only Mariner to win the Cy Young Award. However, he won 4 others with Arizona, was Co-MVP on Arizona's only World Championship team with Curt Schilling, and won a Perfect game for the Diamondbacks. Only time will tell, but either way, it won't take Johnson any longer than 5 years to get in the hall.
His other credentials are more than worthy. Johnson posted 303 wins with a 3.29 ERA and 4875 strikeouts. Among lifetime leaders, Johnson's 2nd in strikeouts (Only pitcher with more is Nolan Ryan) and 1st in strikeouts per 9 innings (10.6098). He threw 2 no hitters, one of which was a perfect game and he won the Cy Young Award 5 times, 4 of which he won consecutively from 1999-2002.
Now, in light of Edgar Martinez's poor showing at his first hall of fame voting and the uncertainty of how he will fare in future voting, Johnson could be the first player voted into the hall of fame with a Mariners cap. He did throw one of those no hitters with Seattle and he was the first and only Mariner to win the Cy Young Award. However, he won 4 others with Arizona, was Co-MVP on Arizona's only World Championship team with Curt Schilling, and won a Perfect game for the Diamondbacks. Only time will tell, but either way, it won't take Johnson any longer than 5 years to get in the hall.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Here Comes Kotchman
With Beltre headed off to Boston, the Mariners are setting up a trade that should help Boston avoid paying the luxury tax for their everg growing team salary. Reports are in that the Mariners will pickup firstbaseman Casey Kotchman for cash, a minor leaguer, and a major-league role player.
This also helps Boston ween down their roster a bit. If they were to keep Kotchman, that would leave them with 5 high profile players (Mike Lowell, Kevin Youlkiss, David Ortiz, Beltre and Kotchman) for 3 positions: Thirdbase, Firstbase and Designated Hitter. So, Boston looks to come out a winner for not only signing Beltre, but dealing Kotchman.
Now, Kotchamn has a lot of upsides. In 465 career games, he has only committed 8 errors, giving him a career fielding percentage of 99.8%. He's a potential gold glover for sure. He also has only struck out 166 times in 1674 total at bats, meaning he strikes out less than once every 10 at bats. He has power potential to some degree and he gets on base. So, he's a very solid player.
The only misgivings I have would be over who the Mariners plan to give up in the trade. Hopefully, the minor leaguer being sent is of no consequence, because while the organization is deep, we can't keep giving up our first and second round picks. Also, Jose Lopez and Mark Lowe have been thrown around in rumors, and they may be hard replace. Sure, Lopez doesn't have exceptional range as an infielder and his on base percentage isn't the greatest, but he's a righty that can hit for power in Safeco occasionally. Send him, and you either need to get a secondbaseman or move Figgins over and get a thirdbaseman. The Bullpen does have some depth now and could afford to lose Lowe to some degree, but I'd feel a lot more assured with Lowe in there to start the season.
But who knows? Maybe I'm just getting ahead of myself and the Mariners are planning on sending one of our utility players or back of the rotation starters. Either way, at least Kotchman appears to be reliable in the types of roles we will need him.
This also helps Boston ween down their roster a bit. If they were to keep Kotchman, that would leave them with 5 high profile players (Mike Lowell, Kevin Youlkiss, David Ortiz, Beltre and Kotchman) for 3 positions: Thirdbase, Firstbase and Designated Hitter. So, Boston looks to come out a winner for not only signing Beltre, but dealing Kotchman.
Now, Kotchamn has a lot of upsides. In 465 career games, he has only committed 8 errors, giving him a career fielding percentage of 99.8%. He's a potential gold glover for sure. He also has only struck out 166 times in 1674 total at bats, meaning he strikes out less than once every 10 at bats. He has power potential to some degree and he gets on base. So, he's a very solid player.
The only misgivings I have would be over who the Mariners plan to give up in the trade. Hopefully, the minor leaguer being sent is of no consequence, because while the organization is deep, we can't keep giving up our first and second round picks. Also, Jose Lopez and Mark Lowe have been thrown around in rumors, and they may be hard replace. Sure, Lopez doesn't have exceptional range as an infielder and his on base percentage isn't the greatest, but he's a righty that can hit for power in Safeco occasionally. Send him, and you either need to get a secondbaseman or move Figgins over and get a thirdbaseman. The Bullpen does have some depth now and could afford to lose Lowe to some degree, but I'd feel a lot more assured with Lowe in there to start the season.
But who knows? Maybe I'm just getting ahead of myself and the Mariners are planning on sending one of our utility players or back of the rotation starters. Either way, at least Kotchman appears to be reliable in the types of roles we will need him.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Bye, Bye, Beltre
One of arguably the greatest thirdbasemen to man the hot corner for the Seattle Mariners, Adrian Beltre, is gone. It seemed like maybe the Mariners were on the verge of bringing him back and that the rest of league either couldn't easily afford him or had no space for him. Despite fitting into both of those categories, the Red Sox were able to get him.
And Beltre wanted Boston as well. Apparently, he turned down two other offers that were longer, one for 3 years and one for 4, and a bit more lucrative since they average the same amount yearly as Boston's offer of 14 million over 2 years. At least one of these suitors, if not both, were either the Oakland Athletics or the Baltimore Orioles, but with Beltre being one of only 2 Mariner free agents to be offered arbitration, it seems that the Mariners would have been at least one of the other teams to offer Beltre a deal.
While Beltre was a fan favorite and his glove fit him in nicely with the Mariners defensive strategy, Safeco's long distance to leftfield was not something that Beltre's swing traversed enough to make him want to stay. The green monster is good deal easier pop a few flies over and should greatly improve Beltre's chances of finding the kind of power numbers that initially attracted the Mariners in the first place.
Also, the Red Sox have been perennial post season challengers for the last decade, getting through the first round of playoffs 5 times, and winning the World Series twice. While the Mariners are putting pieces together that will guarantee a close battle for the AL West, the Red Sox have overstocked themselves in a chance to take on the Yankee for AL East dominance, but promise to be the team to beat for the Wild Card if they can't top their division. Maybe Beltre wanted a better chance at his own series ring.
For the Mariners, this moves the process of team building forward. Figgins is sure to find himself at third now, meaning Jose Lopez may still be manning second. Also, Beltre leaving will free up about 7-10 million in payroll that was planned to go his way. That means that there is still a free agent signing or two possible and with Jack Z at the controls, we're sure to get some payoff from the moves.
All the best to Beltre, but he and the Sox better watch themselves if they also make the playoffs.
And Beltre wanted Boston as well. Apparently, he turned down two other offers that were longer, one for 3 years and one for 4, and a bit more lucrative since they average the same amount yearly as Boston's offer of 14 million over 2 years. At least one of these suitors, if not both, were either the Oakland Athletics or the Baltimore Orioles, but with Beltre being one of only 2 Mariner free agents to be offered arbitration, it seems that the Mariners would have been at least one of the other teams to offer Beltre a deal.
While Beltre was a fan favorite and his glove fit him in nicely with the Mariners defensive strategy, Safeco's long distance to leftfield was not something that Beltre's swing traversed enough to make him want to stay. The green monster is good deal easier pop a few flies over and should greatly improve Beltre's chances of finding the kind of power numbers that initially attracted the Mariners in the first place.
Also, the Red Sox have been perennial post season challengers for the last decade, getting through the first round of playoffs 5 times, and winning the World Series twice. While the Mariners are putting pieces together that will guarantee a close battle for the AL West, the Red Sox have overstocked themselves in a chance to take on the Yankee for AL East dominance, but promise to be the team to beat for the Wild Card if they can't top their division. Maybe Beltre wanted a better chance at his own series ring.
For the Mariners, this moves the process of team building forward. Figgins is sure to find himself at third now, meaning Jose Lopez may still be manning second. Also, Beltre leaving will free up about 7-10 million in payroll that was planned to go his way. That means that there is still a free agent signing or two possible and with Jack Z at the controls, we're sure to get some payoff from the moves.
All the best to Beltre, but he and the Sox better watch themselves if they also make the playoffs.
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