Onto the Winter Meetings

Well, the Mariners had a semi-busy weekend before seeing Jack Z hop a plan to DisneyWorld. In true Z fashion, he managed to bring back starter Erik Bedard for a non-guaranteed contract, he cut ties with Ryan Rowland-Smith, he traded Jose Lopez for a former first round draft pick, and he tendered contracts to Jason Vargas, Brandon League, David Aardsma, and Josh Wilson. All great moves in my opinion.

Bedard had been offered a guaranteed contract by at least another team, but Bedard has made statements that show he wants to prove to the city of Seattle that he was worth what was given up for him in 2007. While Zdurencik decided to give Bedard that chance though Bedard missed all of last season and most of 2009, he did it by structuring a contract that will not give Bedard anything of consequence unless Bedard can show he's at the peak of health and earn a spot in the starting rotation. Again, even while hurt, Bedard has been a highly effective pitcher, but should his return fail again, he's a very low risk to the payroll.

Lopez was not going to be given a contract anyway and for the Mariners to pickup pitching prospect Chaz Roe from the Rockies was an excellent move. Roe shows some promise and strengthens the depth in the farm system where pitching is concerned. Sure, Lopez could bounce back from a dismal 2010 and in Coors Field, he should be able to stroke some homers, but his career on base is horrible and I'd rather make room for Ackley. Maybe Roe will even break into the bullpen later this year.

Wilson is a potential backup fielder again and with Jack Wilson an injury risk, Josh comes at a low cost and easily releasable or returned to the minors if a more valuable replacement is made available. Vargas figures to be the #3 starter and League or Aardsma the closer, depending on if Aarsdma is traded or not.

For a rebuild season ahead of us this year, the off season is playing to our favor. Jayson Werth was given 126 mil for 7 years by the Nationals, taking a big time outfielder away from the likes of the Rangers and Angels. Furthermore, with Carl Crawford still available, the potential contract he will be offered has now increased in value with the gaudy contract that was awarded Werth. Essentially this means that any major contract tendered by our rivals risks tying up their payroll for several years.

Also, quite a few high power free agents find themselves on teams that won't contend or affect the M's. Mark Reynolds, a strikeout prone 30+ homer per year third baseman has now joined the Orioles, placing a power bat in the worst team in the best division in baseball. Lance Berkman, a power hitting outfielder/first baseman, has joined the St. Louis Cardinals and another highly sought first baseman, Adam Dunn, finds himself on the Chicago White Sox. The Red Sox finally got their highly coveted prize of Adrian Gonzalez, but gave up some of their best prospects, and will end up losing some other pieces, Adrian Beltre for one, in order to pay him.

Well, hopefully the M's make some exciting deals and at the very least, we can shoot for .500 this year!