The Mariners have become the center of the baseball news universe. Some of the news is bad (see Andrew’s post below), but most of it is quite good. This is going to be a fairly quick recap of the M’s moves so far, with a look at what else they might have in store. I would expect more moves within the next week, so I’ll have a more comprehensive look at the 2014 Mariners once the dust settles.
Additions
As I write this, there are three new Mariners. The big one is 2B Robinson Cano. He reportedly agreed to a 10 year $240 million deal last week, and will likely be announced in Seattle on Friday or so. A week later, I am still in a bit of shock that Cano is a Mariner. He is the best second baseman in baseball, and has been the centerpiece of the Yankees’ offense for the last five years plus. That he will likely play out the remainder of his career in Seattle is a testament to money, both as the deciding factor for most player and the amount of it the Mariners have to spend if they’re so inclined.
Cano supplants Nick Franklin and/or Dustin Ackley (trade chips, but not sure to be moved). As much as one might like those two guys, Cano is a massive, massive upgrade. He’s the first major line-up threat Seattle has had in years. His offensive game is reminiscent of Edgar’s, and he plays Gold Glove caliber defense. It’s likely the last 3-4 years of the contract will be a drawback, but I’m not especially worried. The immediate benefits are huge, and it’s likely baseball’s changing economics will render the dollar amounts less shocking by 2020 or so. This is a stunning addition, unlike anything the Mariners have ever done.
Today, two separate deals brought DH/1B/maybe outfielders. The first was a free agent deal for former Brewer Corey Hart. Continue reading
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