Garko Gone

Well, I had mentioned before that I'd love to Mike Sweeney make the opening day roster and the big guy did it! Unfortunately, the M's have place Ryan Garko on waivers in order to make space. While I'm excited to see how well Sweeney transitions into the regular season coming off a very hot spring, Garko is a few things that Sweeney isn't: a) a first base backup/platoon, b) younger and more athletic, c) a little more powerful when swinging the bat. Of course, it was ridiculous to believe that the team would keep both and while Sweeney may not hit 15 or more home runs, he is a lifetime .298 hitter, and here's hoping that he raises his lifetime average to the big 3-0-0!

Meanwhile, I'm awaiting the final starting rotation announcement. Plenty of rumors surround the club involving a possible pickup to hold the fort until Lee is ready, but nothing has happened. Jarrod Washburn is constantly being discussed as a possible candidate, but no ground has been gained there. While I know money is tight and sometimes you just have to go with what you already have, the Mariners could go a long to convince their fans of their intentions to make the post season by just adding one mediocre veteran with a decent amount of experience (like a Washburn) that would hold a front spot for now and shift in rotation depth after Lee, and eventually Bedard, return. Here's hoping!