Time, money running out for Mariners
Since the final out of last season, the Seattle Mariners have worked almost nonstop to fix everything that went wrong.
They hired a new general manager, manager and coaching staff.
They signed a power-hitting first baseman, Russell Branyan.
They pulled off the biggest trade of the off-season in the 12-player, three-team deal last month at the winter meetings. The trade brought them stellar defensive outfielders Franklin Gutierrez and Endy Chavez, along with pitcher Aaron Heilman and four others who will help increase their minor league depth, but it cost them closer J.J. Putz, top reliever Sean Green and outfielder Jeremy Reed.
What’s left to accomplish before spring training begins in early February?
Plenty.
In fact, there may not be enough time or payroll for new GM Jack Zduriencik to build the team just the way he wants it before the April 6 season opener.
There’s still no designated hitter, no new outfielder who makes up for the 110 RBI lost when Raul Ibanez left as a free agent, no clear-cut answer at closer after Putz was traded and no left-handed relief specialist.
Despite the moves so far, there’s isn’t a clear indication that the Mariners have improved an offense that ranked 13th among the 14 American League teams in runs and RBI, and 12th in home runs.
Branyan brings enticing left-handed home run potential, but also a pattern of inconsistency at the plate.
With Gutierrez in center field and Chavez in left, along with Ichiro Suzuki in right, the Mariners have one of their best defensive outfields ever. But there’s little power among those three.
The DH job needs significant upgrade after the 15 home runs they got out of that spot last year was the worst in the league.
There are some intriguing hitters available, but it seems unlikely that the Mariners will spend much on free agents. The budget may not allow it.
The Mariners’ payroll in 2009 is expected to be less than $110 million, and close to $90 million of it could be tied up after the team deals with Felix Hernandez, Erik Bedard and Heilman, who all are eligible for arbitration.
No job in the bullpen is certain at this point.
With Putz and Green having been traded, the Mariners need a closer and right-handed setup man, and they’ve operated without a solid left-handed specialist since they traded Arthur Rhodes to the Marlins last season.
Zduriencik, manager Don Wakamatsu, the coaches and scouts will get their heads together soon to discuss the best options to fill those holes.
Three months and one day remain before the Mariners open the 2009 season at Minnesota, and while it may seem there’s plenty of time to fix what’s broken by then, there’s not.
Quick fixes aren’t part of the Mariners’ plan anymore, and Zduriencik’s goal is to build a team that remains strong in the future. He refuses to call this a rebuilding year, although it seems clear that putting together the team as he wants it will be an ongoing process.