End of the DA ERA?

David Aardsma is probably not returning next year. Kind of a shame as he's managed 69 saves over the past two seasons and has been the most consistent reliever on the staff for those two years. 2010 saw him start slow, but at the end of the year, he had the same WHIP (1.16) as the end of the year and though his ERA nearly went up a point, at 3.44, it wasn't to shabby for a closer.

While I hate seeing Seattle trade away another consistent closer, it makes perfect sense to do so when attempting to rebuild a team. After all, the Mariners are not expected to compete and a dominant closer is typically the last piece you add in order to make a truly competitive ball club. After all, it makes little sense to pay a considerable amount of cash for a closer when you aren't expecting to win a lot of games anyway.

Meanwhile, the M's have Brandon League at a cheaper salary and who will not get the kind of trade attention that Aardsma will. He saved 6 games in lieu of Aardsma in 2010 and can easily move to that role. It could also be a good time to see if League would be able to hold down that role long term. League also has pitched more innings in the bigs than Aardsma, so he has the experience necessary to replace the DA.

Additionally, the M's have plenty of young pitchers to fill into bullpen roles and try out for permanent spots. Though mired in controversy over criminal allegations, Josh Lueke has pitched exceptionally in the minors and has 226 ks in 177.2 innings compared to only 44 walks. If the M's can make things right with Lueke's past and feel that he deserves a second chance, then he could become a dominant big league reliever. Dan Cortes and Anthony Varvaro each had big league shots this year and have a chance out of spring training. Plus, there are the aforementioned free agents I mentioned in the previous post as well as veteran bullpen pitchers Shawn Kelley and Garrett Olson.

Finally, Aardsma could bring in 1-2 players that could make an impact on the M's roster. Other than Ichiro, Gutierrez and Figgins, the lineup is hardly set in stone. Smoak will get his chance at 1st, Ackley will get a shot at second Jack Wilson will start the season at short, and Moore and Saunders are sure to get looks at catcher and leftfield, but were a deal to arise that would include a more reliable player for either of these spots, (except maybe 1st or 2nd), Jack Z will probably make the move, especially if Aardsma can get it for him.

In conclusion, getting 1 outstanding or 2 reliable position player(s) is well worth trading Aardsma.