Concession Time

Well, we've all know for a while now that taking back the AL West isn't possible, but it still stings now that the trading of Lee is the final move that makes this season of rebuilding. I thank my luck that at least I'm not in Pittsburgh, who've been "rebuilding," since Barry Bonds left for San Francisco, or Arizona, where rebuilding won't do much to threaten the 4 other potential playoff teams in the same division. Nonetheless, there are 76 games in this season and though we hope each one results in a win, it's a bit deflating to know that we are now playing for the next season rather than the one at hand.

It's sad, because this season was supposed to be a progressive improvement from last year. I didn't assume a Mariner dominated AL West, but with improvements made in so many spots on the roster, it seemed like they should have at least been able to maintain the same amount of success as last years campaign. Lee, of course, was a giant upgrade to a pitching rotation led by Felix and a rotating cast of pitchers. An field with Kotchman, Wilson, and Figgins next to each other was a great defensive improvement, and Figgins brought speed as well as the ability to get on base. Brandon League added another capable setup man alongside Mark Lowe. Milton Bradley added a potential threat at the plate with occasional power. Griffey was healthier, Sweeney had an awesome spring.

Unfortunately, none of that played out as it should with the exception of Lee. Figgins and Bradley struggled mightily at the plate to start the season, Griffey couldn't find his swing at all, Sweeney couldn't stay healthy, League hasn't been consistent, and the defense has hardly been up to par. Oh wait, Kotchman hasn't made an error in 200-something games or whatever, but him being a first baseman that isn't hitting well on a team that isn't hitting well collectively means I don't want to hear about his stupid error-less streak anymore. You know who else hasn't committed an error and has started a majority of M's games? Franklin Gutierrez.

Anyways, where do we go from here? Obviously, Smoak joins the M's tomorrow and that should get Jack Z on the phone because we have an abundance of guys who can only play first (Smoak/Kotchman/Branyan), or DH (Smoak/Bradley/Branyan). Sure, Bradley can play left, but the M's like Saunders there. Plus, Mike Sweeney is due back from the DL in a couple of days, to make this house even more crowded. Kotchman is most likely the odd man out.

Rumor wise, the Phillies have expressed interest in Jose Lopez as a replacement for Chase Utley or Placido Polanco. Several teams have expressed interest in Aardsma to add depth to their bullpens.

Looking at the next few years, Guttierrez, Hernandez, Figgins, Ichiro, and Dustin Ackley signed through 2012 as the cornerstone pieces of the organization. Bradley is signed through 2011 and is unlikely to be moved due to his reputation. Vargas and Fister should return with the promising stuff they've shown this year and if he continues to develop Saunders could return next year. Otherwise, there are a lot places for new faces.