A few trades of note for Mariners fans--the ones made, the ones not made, and the ones made by other teams. Here are the Top 3 Seattle Deadline Stories:
1. Rhodes is now a Marlin. This was the guy everyone figured the Mariners would deal, and it came through. It makes complete sense, as the Mariners don't need Rhodes down the stretch, for a handful of lefty specialist innings, while the Marlins do. In return, Seattle gets Gaby Hernandez, a once-well-regarded starter who's scuffled at Albuquerque (where every pitcher scuffles), and he'll get a fresh start with Tacoma and the Mariners. He's nobody special, but Rhodes is an aging lefty in a one-year deal, so Lee Pelekoudas got who he could. Nice job, Lee.
2. Ibanez is still a Mariner. This was the other guy everyone figured the Mariners would deal, but it didn't come through. In spite of last-minute interest from the Blue Jays, as well as talks with the D-backs, Mets, and Cubs. Nothing materialized, and it's too early to know exactly who we turned down for this. But Ibanez is a guy we don't mind keeping, as he'll be a veteran presence for the rest of the season. He's a free agent next year, so Seattle's probably going to lose him regardless, but for a team that's rebuilding. losing him then won't be awful, either. I can't judge this until I know what Seattle refused, but I'm at least glad Lee didn't make a move just to make a move.
3. Griffey is now with the White Sox. Though we didn't get Junior, this isn't a terrible thing, either. With Chicago, Griff gets a chance at a ring, which he'd never have in Seattle. Limited playing time means he's less likely to be injured, too--it's still not clear where he'll play at all, let alone as a full-timer. And part of the deal included a buyout of his 2009 option, so he'll be a free agent next year, meaning he can still finish his career in a Seattle uniform. Having him come to Seattle this year would have given everyone warm fuzzies, but it would have denied him a chance at a ring. So I'll root for the White Sox to win it all, freeing up Junior for a triumphant return as a Mariners DH in 2009.
Not all is sunshine and roses in the Emerald City, however. We're still in last place and still stuck with a punchless DH--though Vidro can still be traded, as he'll likely pass through waivers. Ditto with Washburn, since nobody else is dumb (or rich) enough to assume his $10M contract. So either might not be on the roster at the end of the season, with Vidro hopefully getting released if they can't trade him.
But a brighter future awaits for Mariners fans, especially if Vidro and Washburn are gone soon, too.
Keywords: Arthur Rhodes, Chicago White Sox, Gaby Hernandez, Jarrod Washburn, Jose Vidro, Ken Griffey, Raul Ibanez, Seattle Mariners
Comments
I heard the two-for-one story, too, but haven't heard who the two were supposed to be. I don't think two nothing guys for Raul would have made sense, and if Pelekoudas didn't want to deal-just-to-deal, that's fine. If he gave up a chance to bring some good young and cheap guys to the Ms, then we can fault him. I have a hard time imagining the non-contending Jays offered much for him, but I'll withhold judgment til I hear who we turned down.
Who knows, he might pass through waivers, too, and get dealt later. I don't think the Mariners are done dealing for the season.