Bleacher Report - AL West

Seattle Mariners Ready to Play with the Big Boys

Jeremiah Graves — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:29:28 -0500

General Manager Jack Zduriencik is entering just his second offseason at the club’s helm, but clearly has the franchise headed in the right direction.

Last offseason, he engineered a number of low-risk, high-reward deals and helped turnaround a club that had just 61 wins in 2008 to 85 victories a year ago.

Aside from adding a solid crop of new players, Zduriencik also took strides by hiring manager Don Wakamatsu and bringing a more combined approach to the scouting department, by mixing both traditional scouting and modern statistical analysis.

Zduriencik is in an enviable position this offseason.

The Mariners have a very solid core in Felix Hernandez, Ichiro Suzuki, Brandon Morrow, and Franklin Gutierrez. The club plays in a division that appears more wide-open than it has in half-a-decade and, most importantly, Seattle has some serious payroll flexibility.

The large salaries of Jarrod Washburn, Miguel Batista, Kenji Johjima, Erik Bedard, and Adrian Beltre are all officially off the books.

The total savings amounts to roughly $50 million to spend on free agents this offseason. Additionally, Zduriencik has plenty of organizational depth to deal from and talented Major League players who could be used in trades.

As such, Zduriencik has wasted no time making improvements.

The club has already reportedly inked third baseman Chone Figgins to a lucrative four-year, $36 million contract and they don’t figure to be anywhere near done shopping.

Earlier this offseason, the club signed defensive stalwart Jack Wilson to a two-year, $10 million deal to anchor the infield at shortstop. The club also brought back future Hall of Famer—and arguably the most popular player in franchise history—Ken Griffey Jr. on a one-year, $2 million deal for the 2010 campaign.

The club is also in the mix to add at least one front-line starter, as the departures of Washburn and Bedard have left the depth chart a little barren beyond ace, Felix Hernandez.

Hernandez, 23, is arbitration-eligible for the first-time this offseason and—after finishing second the American League Cy Young balloting—figures to command a significant raise after earning just shy of $4 million last season.

Talks of a signing Hernandez to an extension have begun, but nothing serious has come out of the talks as both sides are said to be “far apart ” in negotiations.

If an extension can’t be worked out, there is a possibility the club could move the young fireballer for a slew of prospects. Numerous teams were rumored to have inquired about Hernandez’s availability at the trade deadline , and acquiring “King Felix” would no doubt require a king’s ransom.

In addition to bolstering the rotation, the club is also in the market to improve a lineup that ranked last in the American League in runs scored (640) in 2009, as well as tied for last in batting average (.258) and on-base percentage (.314).

Zduriencik figures to be on the lookout for a slugging left fielder, a veteran catcher, and improvements to the right side of the infield.

Jason Bay’s name has been floated as a potential target for Zduriencik this offseason and for good reason.

Signing Bay, who lives near Seattle, makes plenty of sense for both parties. Bay, 31, has made it clear that he would love to play close to his home and his family and friends in and around Seattle. The Mariners would love to add his 30-plus home runs and 100-plus RBI into the lineup that lacked a real home run threat for most of 2009.

Bay has already rejected a proposed four-year, $60 million deal from the Boston Red Sox and could cost more than Seattle would care to pay, but he could also give a hometown discount to gain the comfort of playing close to home.

He may not fit into Jack Zduriencik’s defensive-minded lineup, but he could split his time between left field and designated hitter to minimize his impact. Additionally, with Franklin Gutierrez covering ground in center field, Bay’s defensive ineptitude would be less of a burden.

The club has also reportedly not given up on bringing back third baseman Adrian Beltre, who has until midnight eastern Monday to accept or decline arbitration.

If the Mariners and Beltre did re-unite it would create an interesting situation with the recently signed Figgins. The club would logically want to keep Beltre’s glove at the hot corner and move Figgins to either second base or left field.

Both of those potential moves would hinge on the club’s ability and/or inability to sign Bay and/or trade incumbent second baseman Jose Lopez. If the club did sign Bay and bring back Beltre, it wouldn’t be out of the question to move Figgins to second and slide Lopez over to first where his defensive shortcomings would be less detrimental.

If Beltre does not return, the club figures to push very hard to acquire Bay to add some power and could look toward Nick Johnson, Adam LaRoche, Lyle Overbay, or even Carlos Delgado—obviously on a short-term deal—to play first base.

The club has not yet ruled out a reunion with Russell Branyan, but the sides still seem far apart on contract negotiations after Branyan rejected a one-year deal earlier this winter.

The Mariners’ other big need, a catcher, offers fewer options this winter.

There are a number of solid, but past their prime options available such as Ivan Rodriguez, Rod Barajas, and Bengie Molina. None of the three figures to be an impact player, but the club is more interested in having their primary backstop serve as a mentor to incumbent starter Rob Johnson and rookie Adam Moore.

As the Winter Meetings open today, it seems that the Mariners are already pushing ahead of their American League West counterparts.

The Texas Rangers are still in a state of financial flux. The club is set to be sold this winter. In fact, a deadline of December 15 has now been set, so the Rangers don’t figure to be major players in free agency until the ownership situation is resolved.

The Los Angeles Angels entered the offseason with a slew of potential free agent loses. The club has addressed a few of the holes, having already re-upped with outfielder Bobby Abreu while seemingly deciding to let outfielder/designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero leave.

Losing Figgins to a division rival was no doubt a big blow to the Angels who had hoped to bring back their starting third baseman and lead-off hitter. Figgins will now serve as a catalyst to the arguably the Angels biggest threat for division dominance.

It is also rumored that the Mariners are interested in former Los Angeles ace , John Lackey.

If Seattle is able to sign the right-hander, it would serve as a veritable knockout blow to Los Angeles as the free agent market offers few, if any, pitchers who figure to have the same impact as Lackey.

The Mariners and Jack Zduriencik realize that they have a very limited window to win a championship during the Ichiro Era and/or the second Griffey Era and it seems as though they’re willing to go all-in to make it happen.

That fact should be enough to put the rest of the American League on notice, the Seattle Mariners mean business.

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With Chone Figgins, Seattle Mariners Kill Two Birds with One Stone

Alex Akita — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 14:55:02 -0500

Let’s get one thing straight. This isn’t a done deal. Yet.

We all remember how close the Mariners have come to signing other free agents over the years (Miguel Tejada, Vladimir Guerrero, Omar Vizquel, to name three), only to have the deals fall through at the 11th hour. So let’s not assume this thing is all locked up, at least not until the papers have been signed.

While sources have confirmed that the M’s and Figgins are very close on what appears to be a four-year deal worth around $35-36 million, the Los Angeles Angels still remain in the hunt to re-sign their starting third baseman.

However, for all accounts and purposes, it appears the Mariners are set to take two big steps forward in their push for a 2010 AL West title: they will make their team better, and weaken their primary divisional opponent.

Even though Figgins is one of the lesser-heralded third baseman in the game, he has been one of the Angels’ keys to success over most of the past decade. At 5′9″ tall and 155 pounds, Figgins isn’t your typical corner infielder. He more closely resembles a center fielder or second baseman, two positions he’s played in the past.

But don’t expect to see Figgins at either of those spots in Safeco Field. While he began his career as a utility player—in eight professional seasons, the Florida native has seen time at second base, third base, shortstop, left field, center field, right field, and designated hitter—Figgins has been employed almost exclusively at the hot corner in the past few years.

A speedy, switch-hitting leadoff man, Figgins has posted a career batting line that would have to make the Mariners think twice about keeping Ichiro atop their order: .291 AVG, .363 OBP, .751 OPS, 596 R (career-high 114 in ‘09), 280 SB (career-high 62 in ‘05), and perhaps most importantly, 412 BB, including a career-high 101 in ‘09.

If nothing else, Don Wakamatsu and the Mariners’ coaching staff would have to at least consider moving Ichiro to the two- or three-hole.

While Figgins’ imminent signing is an intra-division coup and a boon to a struggling offense, it doesn’t address the M’s most significant need: a middle-of-the-order power bat. Suddenly, with Figgins and Ichiro, the team has an imposing pair of table-setters that will pressure any opposing defense at the game’s outset.

However, it remains to be seen who the tandem will be setting the table for. Will it be Russell Branyan? Jason Bay? Someone else entirely?

Even with Figgins on board, and the Angels suffering because of it, the Mariners have a host of other questions to answer before they can feel confident within a strong division.

Still, though, you have to appreciate what this organization is doing to take the next step from a winning season to a contending season. Approaching a quality free agent that won’t break the bank and will fit nicely within the team’s plans is a great start. Over the next few weeks, with baseball’s winter meetings upcoming, the M’s need to finish piecing together their puzzle for 2010.

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Seattle Mariners Leading the Chone Figgins Derby

Hayato Uwai — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:41:37 -0500

According to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports, the Seattle Mariners are "clear front-runners" to sign free agent third baseman Chone Figgins . The Mariners did offer Adrian Beltre , their starting third baseman for last several years, arbitration but he will likely sign elsewhere as he is only a Type-B free agent and his Gold Glove defence should be enough for him to get a contract he wants.

Figgins, who will turn 32 in January, posted line of .298 BA/.395 OBP/.394 SLG/.789 OPS in 2009, along with five homers and 54 RBI. He also swapped 42 bases this year.

Figgins is a guy who can draw walks, a type of player the Mariners don't have. He can also run, as 42 stolen bases shows that. He and Ichiro Suzuki can team up to create strong one-two punch in the lineup.

Figgins is a versatile player so even if Beltre accepts arbitration, Figgins can move over to second or outfield. In that case, Jose Lopez will likely move to second or Michael Saunders becoming their fourth outfielder. Figgins posted 16.7 UZR this year at third, so he is better at third defensively.

In any case, adding a player like Figgins is a great move for the Mariners. They need a guy who can consistently get on base and can play solid defence at third to fill a hole made by Beltre's departure. Do you think adding Figgins will help the Mariners get closer to winning AL West?

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Jarrod Saltalamacchia Pulled from Winter Ball Game with Injury

Adam Bernacchio — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:50:27 -0500

According to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com, Texas Rangers catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia was pulled from his winter ball game in the Dominican Republic Wednesday because he was experiencing tingling and numbness in his right arm.

Saltalamacchia will be examined by the Texas Rangers’ medical staff on Friday.

This injury is nothing new for Saltalamacchia. Towards the end of last season, Saltalamacchia came down with thoracic outlet syndrome. That’s a condition in which a rib bone pushes against an artery or nerve in the shoulder, causing tingling and numbness in the arm.

Saltalamacchia had surgery for the condition in September.

Saltalamacchia came over to the Rangers in the Mark Teixeira trade in 2007, and to be honest, I feel he has been a little bit of a disappointment so far in a Rangers uniform.

In 2009, Saltalamacchia hit just .233 with a .290 OBP in 310 ABs. He really has yet to emerge as the offensive player many thought he would be.

In all fairness to Saltalamacchia, he is still only 24 years old, so there is still plenty of time for him to develop into an offensive threat.

You know what’s funny? At the end of the 2008 season, the Rangers had Saltalamacchia, Taylor Teagarden, and Gerald Laird on the roster, and everyone, including the Rangers, thought they had a surplus of catching.

The Rangers sent Laird to the Detroit Tigers before the 2009 season. Then Saltalamacchia got hurt, so the Rangers needed a catcher. The Rangers then went out and brought Ivan Rodriguez back to Texas.

Now, if Saltalamacchia’s arm injuries persist, the Rangers might be forced to add another catcher this offseason.

This just proves there is no such thing as a surplus of anything in Major League Baseball. This is why I don’t think the Atlanta Braves should trade Javier Vazquez or Derek Lowe.

They’ll trade one of them, and then in July the Braves will be looking for a pitcher because someone else got hurt or is not living up to expectations. It’s inevitable.

If the Rangers don’t feel comfortable about Saltalamacchia’s arm, they could always bring back Rodriguez for the 2010 season.

You can follow The Ghost of Moonlight Graham on Twitter @ theghostofmlg

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Seattle Mariners Seriously Considering Gregg Zaun

Hayato Uwai — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 07:20:25 -0500

According to MLBTradeRumors.com , the Mariners are seriously considering free agent catcher Gregg Zaun . The Tampa Bay Rays, his previous team, offered Zaun arbitration but he is a Type-B free agent so even if he declines arbitration and signs with the Mariners, the Mariners don't need to give up a draft pick. Zaun said he expects to sign by the end of the week so that might be the Mariners.

Currently, the Mariners' catchers are Adam Moore and Rob Johnson, both right handed hitter. Johnson recently had surgeries to both hips and may not be ready for spring training. Zaun is a switch-hitter so adding left-handed catcher to platoon with Moore and Johnson makes sense. Zaun hit .260 BA/.345 OBP/.416 SLG/.761 OPS for the Orioles and the Rays.

Zaun is a veteran catcher, so he should help Moore adjust at big league level. Do you think this is good move for the Mariners or not? Let's hear it.

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Mariners say, Nah, We'll Keep Our Enigma

Elliott Smith — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:43:39 -0500

According to SI baseball writer Jon Heyman, the Mariners reportedly quashed a deal that would have sent Brandon Morrow and Shawn Kelley to the Tigers for right-handed starter Edwin Jackson.

Now, I’ve made my feelings about Morrow known before—I thought it was a questionable choice to draft Morrow over Lincecum then, and, obviously, how it’s played out has done nothing to dissuade my opinion—so I think this is a curious move by Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik, who I think has done an otherwise fantastic job in the role.

I just don’t think Morrow is ever going to have success with the Mariners. The expectations coming in were probably too high, and the waffling between starter and reliever, and Seattle and Tacoma has turned Morrow into a cipher—a tantalizing possibility, yes, but in reality, a pitcher that has been a disappointment.

On the other hand, Jackson has actually done something at the major league level, although it took him playing for his third team to make it stick. The hard-throwing righty went 13-9 last year with a 3.62 ERA, and would have been a nice fit in the Mariners rotation, especially since the verdict is out on what Morrow’s role is going to be next year.

The Times’ Geoff Baker argues that giving up Morrow and Kelley for Jackson would have been too much, but then he makes the point that Seattle has a wealth of live bullpen arms. So why not take a chance on a guy like Jackson if you’ve got the people to step in?

I remain heartened by the fact that at least the Mariners are considering dealing Morrow—he hasn’t been labeled untouchable like Ryan Anderson. Zduriencik has shown that he has no problem swapping some of Seattle’s sacred cows, i.e., Jeff Clement, so a Morrow trade may still be in the works.

Personally, I would have made this deal. But I guess that’s why I’m not a GM.

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Edgar Martinez as Hero: Shining Moments on a Hall of Fame Résumé

Arne Christensen — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:08:55 -0500

From what I’ve seen, the case that Edgar Martinez’s fans have cumulatively assembled to argue for him as Hall of Famer almost exclusively mentions only his statistical accomplishments as a hitter, gauged by both the traditional metrics and the advanced, sabermetric kind.

But of course it is people, not assemblages of statistics, who stand as candidates for the Hall of Fame, and that seems to be part of Edgar’s problem.

As an unassuming, unquotable Latino who never reached the World Series and played far from any media hothouse, in the most remote big league city in the sport, Edgar’s a deep underdog in the charisma category of Hall of Fame qualifications.

(I think it’s obvious that personality and a résumé of myth-making material help any player make it to Cooperstown: See Dizzy Dean, Enos Slaughter, Bobby Grich, and Bob Johnson for four examples on both sides.)

Even in the Seattle area, he didn't attain the heights of fame (or notoriety) that Ken Griffey Jr., Randy Johnson, Alex Rodriguez, Jay Buhner, and Ichiro did.

Mario Lanza, a friend who’s written a long story about being a Mariners fan in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, said:

"Even in Seattle people didn't really know who he was. I saw him in Crossroads Mall [in Bellevue] with his family, just sitting there eating dinner outside of the food court. Here he was, one of the greatest players in Mariners history, and people just walked by him like he was nobody special.

"He used to go there with his family, and I'd see him reading newspapers right outside the Daily Planet newsstand. I must have seen him five times there and nobody ever recognized him. Even in Seattle he was anonymous. How are the writers in Boston or New York supposed to feel any differently about him?"

Presented here are two post-1995 instances of Edgar's heroic actions on the field. They should help erase the idea of Edgar as a routinely productive hitter who, outside of 1995, didn't do much in the way of generating intense memories for fans.

These events didn't happen in October or get immortalized in the video vault, but as pure heroism they're certainly equal to Curt Schilling's bloody sock, Bucky Dent's homer in 1978, and Bo Jackson's various feats as a Royal.

In September 1997, Edgar had to get stitches twice within five days. The first time was on Sept. 8 in Kansas City, when the Royals' Chili Davis swung his bat in the sixth and it landed on Edgar’s head in the dugout for a five-stitch cut. Edgar stayed in the game and went 2-for-4 with two singles, getting his 100th RBI along the way.

A quote from Edgar: "I lost sight of it in the lights. I knew it was coming, and I ducked to the left. I must have ducked right into it. It was scary, lots worse than having a pitch come at your head."

Then, on Sept. 12, came the coup de grace: Playing Toronto at the Kingdome, Edgar slid into home and into catcher Charlie O'Brien's mask while trying to score in the sixth inning. He got eight more stitches on his chin.

Of course he stayed in the game again, and of course he hit the game-winning three-run homer in the eighth, breaking up a 3-3 tie. Edgar hit it off Roger Clemens, who was 21-5 at the time and on his way to the ’97 Cy Young and a 2.05 ERA. Clemens allowed just nine homers in all of 1997.

Edgar’s quote: "I never have been to a hockey game. But I've watched and seen the fights and the cuts. I guess you could say my week has been like a hockey game." Lou Piniella called Martinez "a tough kid, a professional. It was his night."

Over the seven games that began with getting five stitches on Sept. 8, Edgar hit .400, 10-for-25, with four walks and a .483 OBP.

Then, on July 29, 2000, Edgar was scheduled to be grand marshal of Seattle’s Seafair Torchlight Parade in the evening, but first there was a game to play. It ran late: 13 innings and five hours, four minutes long.

But Edgar had a parade to catch. So he hit a walk-off single for a 6-5 win over the Blue Jays, showered, dressed, didn’t say a word to the press—too busy—and went off to the day’s second job.

The Torchlight Parade’s theme: “Heroes of Our Hearts.”

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