Back to Bedard?

Update: It's being reported that a deal has been drawn up between Bedard and the Mariners. It's a 1.5 million base that could reach around 7.7 million if Bedard can stay healthy and effective at the Major League level. I'd figure that the starting rotation depth now looks something like this once Bedard returns to play in June/July. Also there's still a rumor that Jarrod Washburn could be returning, but with the M's reupping Bedard, it seems unlikely:

1. Felix Hernandez
2. Cliff Lee
3. Erik Bedard
4. Ryan Rowland-Smith
5. Ian Snell

At the beginning of this offseason it seemed all but 100 percent certain that Erik Bedard was on his way out. Now that the offseason spending sprees have winded, Bedard finds himself with almost no interested parties (only the Orioles and Royals have been mentioned), and a small chance that he'll return to Safeco.

Of all the signings this offseason, except for maybe the Silva for Bradley exchange, bringing back Bedard would potentially be the most controversial move made by the master, Jack Z. While Cliff Lee is being heralded as the additional piece to best 1-2 punch in a starting rotation, Bedard was supposed to have been this piece 2 years ago. He had started an average of 28 games with a record of 40-34 and hefty amount of strikeouts the 4 previous years in Baltimore before being brought over for two future all stars (Adam Jones and George Sherrill), and 3 other prospects.

However, he's been pretty much a bust and has only started 15 games in each of seasons with Seattle missing plenty of time due to injury. He will not be available till at least May.

But, when he's pitched, he hasn't been all that awful. He has an 11-7 record with a 3.23 era and 8.9 strikeouts per 9 innings when he's managed to pitch for Seattle. That's a good deal more productive than Silva was.

Plus, Zduriencik won't blow the load. It sounds as if a 1.5 million base with incentives is being offered and for that, I'd be willing to gamble. Would You?? Let's a get debate going here: Bedard or no Bedard?