Seattle Mariners: Why They're Not Being Aggressive Enough in Free Agency

No one's expecting 116 wins in 2012, but most of us are expecting a significant improvement from 2011 for GM Jack Zduriencik and the Mariners. The 2011 season was obviously a bit of a disappointment. Fans, however, were able to write it off as a year of rebuilding—that wretched term with which we've become all to familiar.

In order for 2012 to be a successful campaign, though, Jack Z needs to step up his offseason game. Sure, we're only technically a month in, but the early bird gets the worm. And the worm, in this case, could be a hefty, bearded vegetarian whose name really indicates that he ought to be part of King Felix's court.

Here are a few reasons why Jack Z has to kick it into gear and get rolling for the 2011-2012 offseason.

Jack Z Has Done Next to Nothing

Up until I started this article, the entirety of the offseason action was the promotion of minor leaguers Chih-Hsien Chiang, Francisco Martinez and Carlos Triunfel to the 40-man roster.

Chiang and Martinez came to Seattle in trades with the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers, respectively. Triunfel has been a Mariners affiliate since 2006 when he was signed as an undrafted free agent.

Shortly after I began writing, however, I learned that the Mariners acquired catcher John Jaso from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for reliever Josh Lueke and a PTBNL. Jack Z on Jaso: “John gives us a left-handed hitting catcher with some big league time who is still young.”

Perhaps Jack Z plans to have current right-handed catcher Miguel Olivo share time with the Jaso.

It's true that not a lot has gone on thus far for many teams, but there have been talks with big-name FAs. And the Mariners, being one of the teams in most need of repair, should be leading things off.

Either way, fans surely would've hoped for a little stronger show of proactivity on Jack Z's part, as the M's are now two months into their offseason.

We Aren't the Only Team Who'd Love to Have Prince Fielder

Prince Fielder has yet to enter talks with any teams, but that doesn't mean he isn't sizing things up with his conniving agent, Scott Boras.

I guess it's possible that under-the-table dealings have been occurring unbeknownst to the general public, but at least Fielder hasn't hopped on the bandwagon that's been taking the rest of the top-tier free agents to the Miami (still doesn't quite roll off the tongue) Marlins for talks.

Whether or not Fielder is interested in the Mariners and whether or not Jack Z could actually sign him are also two very different points to consider.

I can see Fielder having some interest in Seattle. He's looking for a long, expensive contract (seven or eight years, $15-20 million a year), and we like to think that the Mariners have a bright future marked by longevity and championships.

Where Prince would play is another dilemma to consider. The M's currently have Justin Smoak, who is supposed to be the franchise first baseman, but who has yet to settle in. Prince might take over that spot, but he might resolve to DH. That would bump Mike Carp (who the Mariners really need to have in their lineup) to left. Luckily, left field is still up for grabs.

So, would, or could, Jack Z sign him? Well, there's currently a decent amount of cap room since the M's aren't really tied up in many huge contracts. And there's more cap room potentially freeing up when Ichiro leaves (yes, unfortunately, that day nears).

Additionally, a sizable chunk of the rest of the lineup is still subject to arbitration, so the Mariners are in good shape financially for the future.

Bottom line, will the Mariners' royal family grow by one this offseason? I say yes, bring on the veggies.

Those Damn Marlins

Photo Courtesy of ESPN

Like I said before, the Marlins have been calling in the most hyped free agents in this class for early-offseason meetings. There are no guarantees, but the Marlins are setting themselves up for a big catch, whether it's Jose Reyes, CJ Wilson, Albert Pujols or someone else.

Fortunately, Prince hasn't been inveigled into any talks in South Beach yet. That means Jack Z still has time to pounce before it's too late.

I keep going back to Prince because he seems to be the most viable, effective remedy for the Mariners miserable batting order. Apart from Prince, however, there's a whole field of lower-tier free agents who could do the job.

Carlos Quentin (not a free agent, but likely to be traded), Michael Cuddyer and Aramis Ramirez, among others, might show up on the 2012 Mariners roster if the pesky Marlins don't snatch them up first to play alongside the troubled Hanley Ramirez.

Jack Z still has plenty of time, but he needs to assert his position publicly by making a big move in order to set the bar for the remainder of the offseason. We're all anxiously waiting, Jack. Show us something we can get excited about.