News today from ESPN reported the New York Yankees and Randy Winn have agreed on a contract. Of course, what this means is the Yankees will not be re-signing Johnny Damon. The report mentioned that Damon's agent, Scott Boras will turn his attention to the Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds for the outfielder's services. But, recent opinion from M's fans is that the Seattle front office should go after the speedy outfielder.
I'm not the biggest Johnny Damon fan but for as long as I can remember he has always been rumored to want to come play for the Mariners. Obviously, Johnny Damon wouldn't be a horrible signing but it gives us another left-handed bat when the team should really be looking for a righty. The thing that would make this deal most intriguing is if Jack Zduriencik were to get Damon to lower his asking price significantly which could happen as the market seems to be drying up.
Dave Cameron at USS Mariner does a much better job of explaining what the risk/reward of a Johnny Damon signing would be and although I agree that you should never discount a player because the match is not ideal I do feel there's something to be said about having a balance on the roster for situational purposes.
Showing posts with label Seattle Mariners. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seattle Mariners. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Kotchman traded to the M's
ESPN's Buster Olney broke the news yesterday on Twitter that the Mariners and Red Sox were very close to completing a deal that would send first baseman Casey Kotchman to Seattle. Over the past 24 hours more details have emerged and according to plenty of sources the Mariners will send Bill Hall, a minor leaguer and cash to Boston for compensation.
So...what does that mean? Well, the Mariners certainly upgrade their starting first baseman for 2010 as Kotchman is a better option than Mike Carp. But they do so at the expense of a great utility player that has experience playing several different positions and has played them well.
Here's the story on Kotchman:
Casey Kotchman, a former 1st round draft pick of the Los Angeles Angels entered the league in 2004 but didn't start seeing significant playing time until 2007. In his first full season, Kotchman posted a .296 batting average, a .372 on-base percentage, and a .467 slugging percentage. These are decent numbers for a gap-power left handed hitter. The only problem is each year following 2007 Kotchman regressed. His 2009 numbers were .269/.339/.382, hardly the production we received last year from Russell Branyan.
However, Kotchman does fit the mold of the guys Jack Zduriencik has brought over to the Mariners. He's an above-average defender posting a career UZR of 4.4 per 150 innings, he's a patient left-handed hitter who makes contact with the ball, and he's a young player who hasn't quite reached his potential. Of course, with this type of trade the question is how much will it cost. Kotchman is eligible for arbitration in 2010 and some reports expect his salary to be in the $5 million range. Bill Hall's salary for 2010 would equal $8.4 million and that's why the Mariners are expected to chip in some cash for the trade. Keep in mind though, when we traded with the Brewers for Hall back in August, Milwaukee sent a lot of cash over as well which will seemingly be used in this trade for Kotchman.
What do we lose giving up a player like Bill Hall?
The obvious thing is we lose the flexibility of a utility fielder that can play multiple positions in the outfield and at second and third base. Hall is an above-average defender in the infield and an average fielder in the outfield. However, it seems the Mariners were still waiting for Hall to repeat on his monster 2006 season when he hit 35 home runs and scored over 100 times. Turning around and trading Hall as quickly as they did means there had to be cause for concern with the front office that he wouldn't return to his power-hitting form.
Overall, the Mariners essentially traded two minor league players for Casey Kotchman. The player that will be sent to the Red Sox and Ruben Flores, the minor leaguer sent to Milwaukee. For all of these reasons I think this is a good trade. What I don't like about it is the Mariners have downgraded their offense compared to other options that are on the market such as Russell Branyan and Adam LaRoche. If Kotchman can show some sign that he's anywhere near the type of offensive player he was projected to be this could be a great move. As it stands right now, I'd call it as just being ok.
So...what does that mean? Well, the Mariners certainly upgrade their starting first baseman for 2010 as Kotchman is a better option than Mike Carp. But they do so at the expense of a great utility player that has experience playing several different positions and has played them well.
Here's the story on Kotchman:
Casey Kotchman, a former 1st round draft pick of the Los Angeles Angels entered the league in 2004 but didn't start seeing significant playing time until 2007. In his first full season, Kotchman posted a .296 batting average, a .372 on-base percentage, and a .467 slugging percentage. These are decent numbers for a gap-power left handed hitter. The only problem is each year following 2007 Kotchman regressed. His 2009 numbers were .269/.339/.382, hardly the production we received last year from Russell Branyan.
However, Kotchman does fit the mold of the guys Jack Zduriencik has brought over to the Mariners. He's an above-average defender posting a career UZR of 4.4 per 150 innings, he's a patient left-handed hitter who makes contact with the ball, and he's a young player who hasn't quite reached his potential. Of course, with this type of trade the question is how much will it cost. Kotchman is eligible for arbitration in 2010 and some reports expect his salary to be in the $5 million range. Bill Hall's salary for 2010 would equal $8.4 million and that's why the Mariners are expected to chip in some cash for the trade. Keep in mind though, when we traded with the Brewers for Hall back in August, Milwaukee sent a lot of cash over as well which will seemingly be used in this trade for Kotchman.
What do we lose giving up a player like Bill Hall?
The obvious thing is we lose the flexibility of a utility fielder that can play multiple positions in the outfield and at second and third base. Hall is an above-average defender in the infield and an average fielder in the outfield. However, it seems the Mariners were still waiting for Hall to repeat on his monster 2006 season when he hit 35 home runs and scored over 100 times. Turning around and trading Hall as quickly as they did means there had to be cause for concern with the front office that he wouldn't return to his power-hitting form.
Overall, the Mariners essentially traded two minor league players for Casey Kotchman. The player that will be sent to the Red Sox and Ruben Flores, the minor leaguer sent to Milwaukee. For all of these reasons I think this is a good trade. What I don't like about it is the Mariners have downgraded their offense compared to other options that are on the market such as Russell Branyan and Adam LaRoche. If Kotchman can show some sign that he's anywhere near the type of offensive player he was projected to be this could be a great move. As it stands right now, I'd call it as just being ok.
Friday, August 21, 2009
What's wrong with David Aardsma?
UPDATE! The ship was righted. Aardsma gave up a leadoff double to Jack Cust but then locked it up getting Suzuki and Sweeney to pop out before stiking out Powell. Told you guys not to worry.
Abandon ship! Our closer sucks! He's blown two saves in the last two weeks!
That's the feeling I get from some of the people around Seattle. Here's the deal, Aardsma is not a great closer. He's been effective this year and hell, has put together a nice little season considering he has 28 saves for the Mariners. You throw in the fact that Brandon Morrow took away 6 saves in 8 chances early in the season and it's not too far out of the realm of reality to think Aardsma could have 36 saves right now.
So, he's blown 4 saves. Get over it. I mentioned in a previous post that it's guaranteed Aardsma will walk 1, give up a long fly ball and strike out 2. Well, when the first batter is Aardsma's walk and you're holding on to a 1-run lead...get ready for a bumpy ride.
Aardsma walked Carlos Guillen last night and Miguel Cabrera promptly hit a double to put runners in scoring position with nobody out. Aardsma had to walk Magglio Ordonez to put the force out at home in effect. The next ball in play was the long fly ball I was talking about...this scored the tying run.
There's nothing wrong with David Aardsma, he's still pitching the way he has all year. Unfortunately, when he walks the leadoff batter and is unable to follow it up with an out, the game is instantly in jeopardy. So, keep your chins up Mariners fans! Don't get distracted. Aardsma is not always going to walk the first batter, he's not that bad. Plus, look on the bright side. At least Morrow is down in AAA working on his curveball so he can be a starter and Aardsma is up here finishing the games!
Abandon ship! Our closer sucks! He's blown two saves in the last two weeks!
That's the feeling I get from some of the people around Seattle. Here's the deal, Aardsma is not a great closer. He's been effective this year and hell, has put together a nice little season considering he has 28 saves for the Mariners. You throw in the fact that Brandon Morrow took away 6 saves in 8 chances early in the season and it's not too far out of the realm of reality to think Aardsma could have 36 saves right now.
So, he's blown 4 saves. Get over it. I mentioned in a previous post that it's guaranteed Aardsma will walk 1, give up a long fly ball and strike out 2. Well, when the first batter is Aardsma's walk and you're holding on to a 1-run lead...get ready for a bumpy ride.
Aardsma walked Carlos Guillen last night and Miguel Cabrera promptly hit a double to put runners in scoring position with nobody out. Aardsma had to walk Magglio Ordonez to put the force out at home in effect. The next ball in play was the long fly ball I was talking about...this scored the tying run.
There's nothing wrong with David Aardsma, he's still pitching the way he has all year. Unfortunately, when he walks the leadoff batter and is unable to follow it up with an out, the game is instantly in jeopardy. So, keep your chins up Mariners fans! Don't get distracted. Aardsma is not always going to walk the first batter, he's not that bad. Plus, look on the bright side. At least Morrow is down in AAA working on his curveball so he can be a starter and Aardsma is up here finishing the games!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
How I spent my Monday Night
So, by now you should have all heard. the Mariners signed their first overall pick, Dustin Ackley just minutes before the 9:00 p.m. PT deadline on Monday night. Here is a text message account Garbs and I had leading up to the deadline.
Obviously, not truly exciting stuff. I just felt it was pretty ridiculous that I could waste 30 minutes of my time so concerned whether or not a 20-year-old baseball player signs for millions of dollars when it's not even certain he'll be any good.
So, what do I think of the deal? Regardless of the money and the fact that it's a major-league contract this deal needed to get done. If the Mariners are truly serious about competing in 2011 they need Ackley on their team. He instantly became the M's best prospect and we should see him break the club by 2012...2011 if we're lucky.
Here's to the future!
Aug 17, 2009 8:59 p.m.
Noah: Dude WTF Ackley? Sign already!
Garbs: Not going to happen...fucking boras
Aug 17, 2009 9:00 p.m.
Noah: It's 9. Let's hope for the best
Garbs: Is it 9:09? The deadline?
Noah: 9:00
Garbs: Eff I don't like it.
Aug 17, 2009 9:25 p.m.
Noah: Ackley signed
Garbs: How much? Like 8?
Noah: 9.5 with a major league contract, whatever that means. Assume it means he's added to the 40 man roster.
Obviously, not truly exciting stuff. I just felt it was pretty ridiculous that I could waste 30 minutes of my time so concerned whether or not a 20-year-old baseball player signs for millions of dollars when it's not even certain he'll be any good.
So, what do I think of the deal? Regardless of the money and the fact that it's a major-league contract this deal needed to get done. If the Mariners are truly serious about competing in 2011 they need Ackley on their team. He instantly became the M's best prospect and we should see him break the club by 2012...2011 if we're lucky.
Here's to the future!
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