With the trading deadline looming, it appears the Mariners have players they're looking to jettison. But the M's apparently aren't going to give away pieces without getting something in return.
The rumored Jarrod-Washburn-to-the-Yankees seems to make sense for both sides (The M's shed salary and a shitty pitcher, the Yankees take on said shitty pitcher), but it looks like they are at an impasse right now.
That stems from the M's refusal to give up Washburn for nothing, something the Yanks might venture to change their mind about before tomorrow's deadline.
From Times beat writer Geoff Baker's blog:
But if it's a salary-only deal anyway, the M's can just let that claiming team take Washburn and all of his salary. What do they care? At most, they'd lose that third-rate, token prospect the Yanks are offering to throw in right now. No big deal. As we discussed, as long as the Yanks stick to their current position, the M's are under no pressure to move Washburn by tomorrow. They can always call New York's bluff and then, if they really are desperate to unload his salary, just make the move on Aug. 1. New York's needs won't change in one day. They aren't going to walk away from the salary-only deal just because 24 hours have passed.
We'll see. I don't know how many teams are clamoring to sweep up Washburn, no matter how many teams are looking for left-handed starters. That salary is unattractive. And his tendency to suck balls at pitching isn't the greatest selling point.
I'm more optimistic about Arthur Rhodes getting traded. Every deadline it seems teams look to swipe up a LEFT HANDED SET-UP MAN like it's in the recipe for a World Series title. Rhodes decent play (2.53 ERA in 35 games; 26 K's to 10 BB's) makes him attractive to somebody. Which means the M's could net something in return. And of course, the guy brings up your street cred immediately with that bling.
I don't expect much to happen, but we'll see. I certainly don't see Raul Ibanez or Adrian Beltre being moved. I'm even doubtful on Washburn.
What trades would you make before the deadline? Within reason of course.
3 comments:
Ok Fishbear, you finally opened the door on what the M’s need to do so lets get with it.
Third base, Shortstop and Second base are solid. Do not send Beltre down the road. The guy is good and the rest of the infield is set for the future. Now First base, that is another thing. Develop what you have or go get one for next year at the end of the season. Do that and the infield is set for at least three years.
In the outfield, you need a centerfielder. Ibanes is stable and consistent and has two good years left. Ich is Ich. Keep him but do not count him as a leader or team player. Work with that and all will be good in right field. Thus, center is the problem area. Again, go get one or develop from within.
So far, the M’s need a help at First and Center. OK.
Pitching: Eric, get him gone. Damaged goods gets culled from the herd. Felix, the true #1 so he is untouchable. Washburn, I like him but the boys play like shit when he throws. Get what you can for him and allow him a fresh start. BUT GET SOMETHING! Dicky is keepable so no problem. Crap, boil it all down and the M’s need 3 pitchers. Wow, that’s where the money is. Now they do have a couple of up-and-comers who need to be sat down and told “you are the future now DO YOUR JOB”. That gets us down to 1 great pitcher needed. Check the end of the season deals.
First, Center, and one starting Pitcher. So far, so good.
The other pitchers, well Arthur LEE Rhodes (when did he drop the Lee?) is trade bait. Get what you can for him now. I like the dude but he is long in the tooth and running on fumes for the future. I really think the bullpen is set once they are all healthy from day one.
Now for the upset: Willy B. is worth a bunch yet he is overlooked. Dude needs to be an everyday starter at one spot. Do that for a year and the end result will be great. Dude never has been given a chance. Another team is what he needs and one spot. The M’s can get two great minor leaguers for him. Do it! Willy is worth something.
So it looks like the M’s have the trading material to build the minor league system which will help in the future or allow for trade bait for great players from elsewhere in 2009 or ’10.
Oh yeah, a general manager and a new manager are needed. Go get one of the guys trained under Billy Bean. That style plus money equals winners. And open the wallet, offer the moon to the manager of the Twins and in two years, the M’s are in the World Series. Bold statement, but I’ll back it!!
Look back at this in a year and I bet I’m 80% right!!
I heard some team in the AA leagues was willing to trade a bucket of shit for batista. Might actually be worth it
... trade uniforms with the Spokane Indians.
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