The Aftermath

What's going to happen now that Kenji Johjima has signed his three year extension? Where does that leave Jeff Clement?

Let's start it off like this: Extending Joh isn't a terrible idea. The money may seem a little high. Jorge Posada signed a four year contract worth $52.4M last Winter. Posada is a few years older than Joh, and is quite a bit better. Posada isn't really a fair model based on that information, but that's about the best that we got. $8M is a lot of money, not much in baseball nowadays, has Joh proved that he is worth that much? I think that he might have. He has a career line of .289/.327/.442 alongside 32 HR and 137 RBI. That would be in 991 AB's over the past two seasons. Pretty decent numbers for a catcher. He also set the record for most hits by a rookie catcher in 2006 with 147. The offense is there. Joh has only comitted nine errors over the last two seasons, only 2 in '07. Not bad defender. One of the most important things in my opinion, is that he knows that Mariners pitching staff.

He's spent the last two seasons catching for pretty much the same crop of pitchers, and have created some chemistry. He knows the pitchers well, therefore he can comunicate with them well. Brining someone new would axe all of the chemistry that has brewed. Even Jeff Clement wouldn't be able to adjust quick enough (if he were to start right now).

Know that I've proved Joh has value, it's time to look at what he takes away from the club. The biggest issue surrounds Jeff Clement. He's ready to hit in the MLB. He might not be quite ready to field and all that, but he can sure hit the ball. It's been widely believed that Clement would take over for Joh after this season. Now that Joh is locked up, presumably in the catcher's spot, for three years, where would Clement play? The Mariners haven't been very fond of moving him to first, an option that makes sense. Bringinig him up to DH would take away AB's from Jose Vidro, which might not allow his option for '09 to vest. Morphing him in to a 1B would be perfect, but I wouldn't want to do that because of the high level of prospect that Clement is as a catcher, something rare, and highly sought after. Clement popped up in trade rumors for Johan Santana and Erik Bedard. I'm sure that he could fetch a high price. Trading him would be a tough pill to swallow, especially after losing another blue-chipper in Adam Jones would be incredibly tough to swallow. Bleeding Blue and Teal brings up Adam Moore, a young catcher with promise, that could be ready come 2011, or '12. The same time that Joh's deal dries up. I like the idea of Moore taking over in a few years, he is solid defensively, but how good defensively does he have to be to even up with Clement's offensive upside? My guess, pretty good. Right now, Moore for Clement doesn't look like a good tradeoff, but would Clement would be able to bring in to the organization would determine that. He definitly could replinish the young pitching prospects lost in the Erik Bedard trade. Or he could get you someone for now. He might be able to get the Mariners a player like Jason Bay of the Pirates. About the same offensive potential as Ibanez, but with better fielding abilities, wayyyyy better, and some speed. Not to mention that he's younger.

Overall, there are mixed reactions to Joh's extension. No matter which way you look at it, there's going to be people unhappy and happy. Let's just try and look at the fact that the Mariners lock up a solid catcher for three years at less than he probably would've commanded on the open market.

Joh Gets Extension

Earlier today, as reported by Ken Rosenthal, the Mariners were giving Kenji Johjima a three year contract extension. Now, Geoff Baker comes in to tell us that the three year extension is worth $24M. No discount there.

Personally, I thought that the Mariners would play Joh out this season and hand over the catching duties to Jeff Clement for next season. I guess that I was wrong. Where does this signing leave Clement? The Mariners don't want to turn him in to a first baseman, although now they might have to now. I don't want to see him wasted as a DH next season. Then again, there's always the option of trading him...

Mariners Offseason Assessment

Well, it looks like the Mariners are done with this offseason, as far as acquisitions go. Time to take a look at what they've done, and maybe what they could've done, or should've done.

12/20/07 Signed P Carlos Silva to four year deal worth $48M with option for 2012

Is there anything that bad with this signing? I'm not a huge fan of the $48M, but $12M a season is almost becoming the average rate for a good starter these days. He'll be 29 this season, and has put up decent numbers over the past couple seasons with the Twins. His best ability is eating up innings. Over his last four seasons with the Twins, he's averaged about 195 IP, and gone over 200 twice. His career ERA of 4.31 isn't good, but the Mariners decided that Jeff Weaver was a great oppurtunity at about the same time last year that they signed Silva. his career record of 55-46 isn't bad, considering that he's been on a iffy team over the last few years. He had a solid defence, offence and bullpen backing him up, so we may be able to see him touch 15 wins for the first time in his career. The improved defence, and spacious Safeco Field should bring down his ERA to maybe under 4, but around that. Silva won't strike out too many, but he won't walk many either. His K/9 is 3.97, while his BB/9 is 1.60. He also doesn't give up many HR's, only 20 in 202 IP last season. He should have little problem topping 30-33 starts in 2008. He isn't an ace, but a very good number 3 starter for the M's.

Grade: B+

12/6/07 Selected P RA Dickey from the Twins in Rule 5 Draft

RA Dickey was set to battle for a rotation spot, but that dream faded fast when the Mariners acquired Erik Bedard. Dickey is now in competition for the long reliever spot in the bullpen. Dickey wasn't bad with Nashville (AAA) in '07. 13-6 with a 3.72 ERA in 169.1 IP. The 33 year old hasn't had much of an MLB career. He's bounced around the Majors a bit, posting a 16-19 record with a 5.72 ERA in 266 IP. The Mariners will have to offer Dickey back to the Twins if he is not on the Opening Day roster, or 40 man roster or something. Again, Dickey would look better if their was still a rotation spot to compete for. Instead, the knuckleballer is competing for a bullpen spot.

Grade C+

1/8/08 Signed INF Miguel Cairo to a one year contract

I thought we had this guy already, but his name was Willie Bloomquist. I'm not huge on Cairo, because he was signed to a garunteed contract, pushing guys like Jeremy Reed and Mike Morse down the depth chart. The 33 year old has been with a lot of organizations over his career, including the Mariners a few years ago. A career .267/.315/.359 hitter with little power or speed, and not a knock-your-socks-off defender either. I can't imagine this guy doing a lot to help out this team, but Bavasi needs to have his mediocre or poor signing every winter. Like I said, I can't imagine that this guy will be that helpful to this team.

Grade C

1/10/08 Re-signed RHP Chris Reitsma to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training

Can't say too much about Reitsma. This will be his second stint with the Mariners. He spent most of 2007 on the DL, and wasn't anything special in the 23.2 IP he managed with the Mariners last season. Over his career, he hasn't been great, but he hasn't been that terrible either. A career ERA of 4.70 in 696 IP isn't great, but after injuries, and being in the Reds' and Braves' organizations, he doesn't look that bad. He is looking for a bullpen job, but may have to settle for Tacoma.

Grade Incomplete

1/15/08 Re-signed LHP Arthur Rhodes to a Minor League contract and invited him to Spring Training

Same thing for Rhodes as Reitsma. He's been up and down with multiple organizations. he's had a few good years, MVP in 1997. Injuries have worn him down a bit, but does the 38 year old have anything left? He didn't pitch in 2007 because of injuries. A career ERA of 4.31 in 1011 IP looks alright. I'm just not too sure what he will be able to do for this organization.

Grade Incomplete

1/18/08 Signed LHP Horacio Ramirez to a one-year contract

Sigh. Do I really have to look at Ho-Ram? He looked okay when he was brought in last winter from the Braves for Rafeal Soriano, in a trade that can now be considered a loss. Horrd 7.61 ERA last season. He did manage an 8-7 record though. In 98 IP, he gave up a ton of hits, 139 to be exact, and walked 42 batters. just terrible numbers. He's in the race for the long relief spot, and the hope is that new pitching coach Mel Stottlemyer could help him became a decent pitcher.

Grade F

1/31/08 Signed free agent OF Brad Wilkerson to a one-year contract worth $3M

Finally an alright signing by Bavasi. Well, now that I've taken a look at his stats, he looks a tad less than alright of a signing. A career .250/.354/.451 hitter with a bit of pop in his bat, but not too much speed but some ability with the glove. Wilkerson is close but not garunteed the Mariners' starting right field job. The main factor is Wladimir Balentien, who if he can show enought his Spring, could be in a platoon role with Wilkerson. I can see this signing work out okay. Wilkerson is only 30 years old, and has only had one real injury problem with his shoulder back in 2006. If he can get his average up to about .275, and put up around 20 HR's and 60 RBI's, maybe that's wishfull thinking, this signing may be considered a win. I don't expect Wilkerson to replace Jose Guillen's 30 HR and 100 RBI for last season. Wilkerson can play all outfield positions and first base, so he may be moved around a bit.

Grade. C+

2/8/08 Acquired LHP Erik Bedard from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for OF Adam Jones, LHP George Sherrill), RHP Chris Tillman, RHP Kam Mickolio and LHP Tony Butler

The 'Big One', and maybe the determining factor in Bill Bvasi's future, was the mortgaging of the farm for lefty Erik Bedard. Bedard is coming off of a Cy Young caliber year, and looks to possibly improve on his 13-5 record with a 3.16 ERA and 221 K's in 182 IP, before being shut down for the lst couple weeks of the season with an elbow injury. Great pitcher, but they give up a lot. Adam Jones will be missed five-ten years from now, George Sherrill leaves a huge hole, and the other three could turn out alright a little while from now. Bottem line is, the Mariners want to win in 2008 and have made the push, that will put them over the hump, and get them into the playoffs. For 2008, best acquisition, but in 2013...

Grade A+++++++++++++++++++++++

2/13/08 Signed IF/DH Greg Norton to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training

Nortan adds some competition for the bench role, but will likely end up at AAA. I don;t have much to say about Nortan, but he looks like he could be a decent veteran presence in the clubhouse, or for the younger guys down in Tacoma.

Grade C

2/16/08 Claimed RHP Anderson Garcia off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies

More competition for a bullpen job, and some depth. Nothing wrong with this pickup here.

Grade C

2/19/08 Signed OF Bubba Crosby to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training

Okay... Why? Some depth I guess.

Grade C

I'll come back to this post is October, or November depending on what circumstances we face, and see how these guys impact he team.

Mariners Sign Denny Stark

The Mariners have signed 33 RHP Denny Stark to a minor league deal. Stark was drafted by the Mariners in 1996, and was traded to the Rockies with Brian Fuentes and Jose Paniagua for Jeff Cirillo in 2001. Stark hasn't seen big league action since 2005, because he is coming off of two Tommy John surgeries. He was with the Rockies' and Indians' organizations before his surgeries.

Position Battles: Bench

Time for another battle of the position sort. Today we will be taking a look at the battle for the bench roles this season.

Willie Bloomquist is one of the most versitile players in the MLB today, or ever. By playing all of the infield and outfield positions for the past five years or so, he is a lock for a bench role. Something that the Port Orchard native is accustomed to.

In sort of a question mark move, the Mariners brought in Miguel Cairo. Yes Cairo is a solid option as an infield backup, but Willie is better. He'd also brings some leadership to the clubhouse, but that's about it. If this guy was brought in on a minor league contract, than this guy wouldn't look so bad. But why give him a garunteed contract? I guess Bavasi figured that he must keep up with his signings that look good but turn out bad, and Miguel Cairo must be the equivalent of Carl Everett.

Another lock on the bench is veteran catcher Jamie Burke, who with his .301 average last season worked well with the pitchers, lowering their ERA's. Burke was the backup last season, and if RA Dickey makes the team this season, than he will be even more of a lock, if that's possible, because of his ability to handle the knuckleball, and well, Jojhima's ability to not handle it.

With those three in, it looks like their will only be a battle for the final spot. Their will be many candidates for this gig. Someone getting a good look, or should be getting a good look, is Wladimir Balentien. There is talk that if Wlad has a good Spring, than he could find himself in a platoon role with Brad Wilkerson. Balentien has been stick behind the prospect wall of Adam Jones these past few seasons, will finally get a good, or better look this Spring. I don't know if I want to see this guy as a bench player because he has a ton of potential. I would rather see him back at AAA to start the season, and see where things go.

Another candidate would be Mike Morse. Morse's felxability is what makes him a good candidate for this spot. Not to mention the fact that he is out of options. Morse has been one of those guys that everyone, well maybe not everyone, has been pushing for to be with the big club, and this may be the year that he does that.

Jeremy Reed is another one who could be with the big club. I told you to watch him, as he was a starter with this club a couple years ago. This final bench job is turning into the fourth outfielder role. Reed can play all of the outfield positions, and is a left handed bat. I'd say that that could work out into his favor.

One last name that I want to mention, is Charlton Jimerson. I'm not too firmilier with this guy, but he looks like he knows what he is doing. My pick: I'd say Wlad as a platoon partner for Wilkerson, but if the Mariners decide not to go that way, than I'd say that Morse makes it.

Mariners Trying to Lock Up Felix

The Mariners deadline for player contracts is today, and seeing as the was suppossed to be done yesterday, the Mariners and Felix agreed on a one year contract for 2008, but the financial terms have not yet been released.

Last season, the Mariners had renewed the King's contract for $420K, an $80K raise from 2006. The Mariners would like to sign Felix long term, and now, the Mariners have approached Hernendez about an extension. I don't know what it would take to lock up Felix right now, but maybe somewhere between $5-10M per, for four or five seasons?

Mariners Add More, Well...Depth

The Mariners added some more depth, by signing infielder Bubba Crosby to a minor league contract, with no Spring Training invite.

Crosby has been around over his career. He has belonged to the Dodgers' organization for the first six seasons of his career, and then the Yankees' organization for the next four. He spent 2007 with the Reds, but played at AAA. Not sure why he only had 39 AB's though. In his major league career he has a .216 BA in 250 AB's, and a career minor league average of .277 in 2458 AB. He will likely be at AAA, but word on the street is that Jose Lopez hasn't gotten his visa yet, and hasn't left for Peoria(hat tip to BleadingBlueandTeal), so is there a connection there? Probably. The Mariners' front office isn't unintelligent, but how creditable (not sure if that is a word) are they? The Carl Everett and Matt Lawton signings come to mind...

Old Friend, New City

The Nationals have brought in another member of the Boone family, in our old friend Brett. I can't remember the last time I heard his name. The 38 year old came out of retirement to try and make the Nationals as a utility man. I can't believe how long it's been since Boone got caught for steriods or something like that, was designated for assignment, and then traded to the Twins for a PTBN. Boone said he never took steriods, but in Jose Canseco's book Juiced, he says that during a game, he (Canseco) hit a double, and say Boone at second base, and asked him 'what have you been doing?' and Boone replied 'shhhh. Don't tell anyone.' Hard to believe how long it has been.

Waiver Wire Pickup

According to the Seattle Times, the Mariners have claimed RHP Anderson Garcia off of waivers from the Phillies. The soon to be 27 year old righty has spent most of his career in the minors. He appears to be insurance in case of an injury in the bullpen, and maybe the rotation. Garcia, not to be confused with Freddy Garcia, is 29-31 with a 3.85 ERA in 221 minor league games over the past seven years. He has started 39 games in that time as well.



Garcia will likely be starting in the minors, but will likely get a shot in the majors if something happens, or he makes the team out of Spring Training. The Mariners are building up a bit of pitching depth after losing four pitchers in the Erik Bedard trade, including left specialist George Sherrill.

Bedard Gets Deal

The Mariners avoided arbitration with Erik Bedard, signing him to a new contract. But not the contract that everyone has been hoping for, as in the long term. Bedard gets a one year deal worth $7M. Bedard had wanted $6M. I can tell you that the Orioles were offering $6M to Bedard. There wasn't a figure that Seattle submitted that I have been made aware of. If anyone has a link for any dollar amount that the Mariners had, then leave it in the comments.

Bedard made $3.4M with Baltimore last season. The Mariners inherited Bedard's arbitration eligable situation when they acquired him.

Mariners Sign Norton

According to The News Tribune, the Mariners have signed 35 year old switch hitter Greg Norton to a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training. Norton will likely be in a battle for a bench role.

Norton has spent the last two seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays. Knee surgery caused him to miss most of last season. He hit .243 in 75 games with 4 HR and 23 RBI last season, with most of his AB's coming in a pinch hitter role. He dropped off a bit from his 2006, where he hit .296 with 17 home runs and 45 RBI in 98 games. This is just another one of those guys that are added to make more of a competition for the positions.

Wilkerson Officially Signs

A few days ago I noted that Brad Wilkerson was close to signing a deal with the Mariners. Today, it was announced that he was officially signed. It has been reported by many sources, but the Seattle Times was one of the first. Wilkerson gets a one year deal worth $3M, with another $2M in incentives. This may be a domino to fall for an Erik Bedard trade.

Wilkerson hit .234/.319/.467 in 2007 with the Rangers. He was 29. Wilkerson had something going from 2002-04 with OPS's over .800. He earned $4.35M in '07.

LookoutLanding has an interesting review of this signing.

Cheap Effective Relief

U.S.S. Mariner talks about how the Mariners have been able to have a solid bullpen for little money. Other than Putz, how many household names to the Mariners have? George Sherrill is about as good as you get for name guys. The biggest thing for the Mariners, is how well their farm products have done for league minimum-ish. Half of the guys in the Mariners bullpen could do better than Octavio Dotel, who just signed a two year deal worth $11M. The money that is being saved is what we are seeing in these pricey free agent starter signings.

Mariners Add Arms

The Mariners have announced today, that they have signed Japanese pitcher Kenta Suda to a minor league contract, with a Spring Training invite. Suda is an 18 year old undrafted free agent. He pitched in the NOMO Baseball Club in Japan in 2007. He also pitched in the IBAFAAA (Under 18) Championships in Taiwan in August '07, while he was on the Japanese U18 team. Looking to dig something up on this guy, anybody know anything on him?

Also, the Mariners signed 17 year old Yao Wen Chang to a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training. Chang is from Taichung, Taiwan.

Mariners Re-Up Ho-Ram

The Mariners have resigned Horocio Ramirez to a one year deal worth $2.75. Hat tip to the fine folks at theseattlemariners.blogspot.com for that signing. All that I can say is, I hope Mel Stottlemeyer can help Ho-Ram figure it out. He was horrible last season with an ERA pver 7, but still managed an 8-7 record. If your ERA is that bad, I think that your record could be 10-2, and nobody would care too badly. All I can say is that competition is suppossed to bring out the best in a player, so I hope that it works.

Theory to Reitsma, Sherril, Rhodes Signings

Larry Larue of The News Tribune has his theory of why the Mariners have signed three relievers. He states that by added Chris Reitsma, and Arthor Rhodes to low risk deals, the Mariners could give up George Sherril in a trade for Erik Bedard. This is a pretty good read. Take a look.

Mariners Bring in Rhodes, Again

According to CBSSports.com, the Mariners have signed lefty Arthur Rhodes to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training. Arthur Rhodes got the same deal about this time last year, but suffered an elbow injury after making the Mariners' 25 man roster and needing ligament replacement surgery. Hopefully this time around Author Rhodes could return to his old, old form.

The Mariners also resigned George Sherrill to a one year contract worth $980K, and he can earn another $60K in incentives. I forgot to mention Rhodes in my bullpen projection for 2008, but he should be looking for a relief job come Spring Training. Hat tip to the fine folks at Baseball Rumors and News.

Mariners Sign Cairo

The Mariners made a minor move today by signing another super sub, Miguel Cairo to a one year deal. The journeyman has played for the Yankees and Cardinals in 2007. Cairo hit .253 in 82 games last year. Cairo can play every infield position (except catcher), and the corner outfield spots. Having two players with the ability to play almost everywhere whould help out manager John McLaren a lot. Cairo also brings some playoff expeirence to the table. With St. Louis in the 2001 and 2002 playoffs, and with the Yankees in the 2004 and 2006 playoffs. Cairo hit .348 (8-for-23) in nine Division Series games, and .316 (12-for-38) in 10 career Championship Series games. You can find a complete profile of Cairo here.