Felix Hernandez Signs Extension With Mariners: Long Live the King

It must be great to be so young and yet so successful. Well, just like Tim Lincecum over in the senior circuit, the Mariners' Felix Hernandez certainly fits that description accurately. He will be fitting a Seattle uniform for a few more years, as well.

Reports are that the Mariner ace has inked a five-year extension with the team worth a reported $80 million. The 23-year-old right hander will only be 28 years old when he hits the open market after the 2014 season.

This is a great move in an offseason of great moves by Seattle. The one-two punch of King Felix and Cliff Lee is certainly daunting and the M's figure to be contenders in 2010.

While it is risky business to sign a pitcher to a long-term, guaranteed contract, the alternative was going to anger M's fans for a long time.

I remember when Greg Maddux left my Cubs as a free agent after the 1989 season, and it was traumatic. Of course, he only went on to win three more consecutive Cy Young awards, so no big loss, right?

I'm not suggesting that Felix will have anywhere near the career that Maddux has had, but he is well on his way. Coming off a terrific 2009, Hernandez is already an ace at an age when most guys are graduating from college.

If he stays healthy, and that is always the main concern when a young player, particularly a pitcher, inks a big contract, the M's have an ace that should only continue to get better.

And that is downright scary because he is already so good.

He seems to have his head on straight, at least as far as we can tell, so hopefully he won't let the money go to his head. 

But who can blame him if he gets a little intoxicated with the thought of being a very wealthy man for the rest of his life?

Hopefully, he doesn't lose the fire in his belly and the motivation to continue to grow and succeed. For if he continues on his current path, there is no telling how good this kid can be.

The only thing we do know is that Felix is a Mariner now for at least the next five years and that is a very good thing indeed if you're a fan, come to think of it.