Seattle Mariners: It Might Be Time to Trade Felix Hernandez

Felix Hernandez is yet again receiving no help whatsoever from his team. The Mariners are a putrid 5-11 to start the season.

So far this year, Hernandez has thrown a 4.33 ERA with a 1.33 WHIP with a 1-2 record, all numbers that are very likely to improve. In 2009, he threw for a 2.49 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP, 217 SO and posted a 19-5 ERA. In 2010, he saw a 2.27 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP with 232 SO and 13-12 record.

The Mariners know this is a rebuilding season and knew it from day one. However, how much longer is Fernandez going to stay content (purely hypothetical because I see nothing that tells me he will complain?) Better yet, is trading him for some top-notch prospects an astute move?

Outside of Ichiro, Adam Kennedy and Justin Smoak, there really is not any firepower in the lineup. Said firepower could be acquired by sending Hernandez elsewhere, granted the firepower would not arrive in the majors until a year or two, but it would suit them much better to go along with a decent pitching staff with some potential.

It simply does not look like the Mariners are going to compete this year or the next, so why not do what’s best for the future of the franchise and go ahead and load up on some prospects. Hernandez is the type of player that you would like to build your team around, but at this point, there is nothing to build around him and certainly nothing to happen soon.

It probably is a difficult concept to grasp if you are a Mariner fan, but I truly believe that they can get some serious prospects and contend in 2013.

Also check out:

Fantasy Baseball Owners, Take Note

Monster Fish out of Hiding in South Florida

Sneaky Good Rotation in Arlington?

Is Andres Torres Ready to Break Out?

Why I Have Faith in Matt Thornton