Arbitration Deadline is Near

Tomorrow at 9:00 pm is the deadline for the Seattle Mariners to offer contracts to Starters, Jason Vargas and Ryan Rowland-Smith, Relievers David Aardsma and Brandon League, and Infielders Jose Lopez and Josh Wilson. Rumor has it, Lopez will not be offered a contract and will find himself a free agent. I like where this is headed.

While some people may feel loyalty towards Lopez and/or a sinking feeling that he may break out big for some other team, I am ready to try another option. Lopez has some power and in 2009, he knocked 26 homers, but using that attribute in the context of one good season as the deciding factor is trap that I no longer want to fall into. Lopez has a lifetime on-base percentage of .297 and is far from a clutch hitter. Sure, he can get some big hits, but not regularly, and he has never managed to draw more than 27 walks in a full season, meaning he has no plate discipline. He has no speed and defensively, he has always ranked in the top 3 for errors committed in each of his full major league seasons. While at times, there seemed to be a spark of talent and potential, but not consistent enough offensively or defensively, it seems he has become the next Yuniesky Betancourt though luckily, he won't injure Endy Chavez as a parting gift.

As for the others, Aardsma and League will be tendered. Both are worth the contracts they are paid and if the M's don't decide to keep Aardsma for this season, he will make a valuable trade chip. Vargas will also be tendered and should remain a bargain even with a raise as he was making the league minimum last season.

Hopefully, Ryan Rowland-Smith gets non-tendered. Great guyness aside, he had just about the most abysmal season a pitcher could have without packing it in. If the M's were to bring him back, it would hopefully be for the league minimum or even better, maybe an invitation to spring training without the offer of a contract unless he no hits every Cactus League batter he faces. Bottom line, nothing short of a miraculous 180 better see this guy on the M's' Big League Roster.

As for, Josh Wilson, I'm indifferent. He's a utility fielder that makes a minuscule salary. If there are better options, I'd want the M's to take it, but whose to say there will be.