Winless In Seattle
Steve Sauro
Elliott SmithMariners State of Affairs
June 16th 2010 00:27
Today the Mariners designated Ian Snell for assignment. Snell, sporting an 0-5 record and a lofty 6.11 ERA, most likely will clear waivers with ease and land in Tacoma. In a curious move, to replace Snell the Mariners called up 36 year-old RHP Brian Sweeney. Sweeney has posted decent numbers in Tacoma so far this season (2.51 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP and a 32/8 K/BB ratio through 28 2/3 innings) - but there is probably a reason he's spent the last few years toiling on the roster of the Nippon Ham Fighters (yes, that's their real name) over in Japan. Is he the answer the Mariners really need in their bullpen? Probably not.
That just fits right into some of the more curious moves the Mariners have made so far this season - and it's likely they'll have to make a few more in the near future.
Speaking of: I've heard some rumors that the Yankee's have some interest in Cliff Lee. Which is fitting - as the Yankee's could use the arm for the playoff push - and have the money to make it happen. What I question is the key players the Mariners would be getting would be prospects. Why? Look, I get the Mariners are going to lose 90-95 games this year (with or without Lee along for the ride), but why get more prospects? Especially catching prospects? In my opinion, the organization has spent too much time and effort on that position to "start over" with some other prospect behind the dish. Jeff Clement, Jamie Burke, Miguel Olivo, etc, etc... Not to mention all the time they've vested in Adam Moore. I think he deserves a little bit more of a shot at the Major League Level then a few weeks in April/May before we toss him aside and move on. Especially at the lofty price of a Cliff Lee. I think that if you are trading Lee - you go after immediate help. Not prospects.
On the horizon I see some tough decisions for the Mariners: what to do when Erik Bedard is "healthy" (will Cliff Lee still be a Mariner by then?); what to do when Jack Wilson is healthy (can they really afford to replace Josh Wilson's bat right now?); and probably the most difficult decision - what to do with Cliff Lee? Will these decisions make or break the Mariners season this year? Doubtful. This season is pretty far gone as is. But I do think that the next couple of team decisions had better pan out in favor of the Mariners - or both Don Wakamatsu (who some might already consider on the hot seat), and Jack Zduriencik might have to start looking over their shoulders for that pink slip.
That just fits right into some of the more curious moves the Mariners have made so far this season - and it's likely they'll have to make a few more in the near future.
Speaking of: I've heard some rumors that the Yankee's have some interest in Cliff Lee. Which is fitting - as the Yankee's could use the arm for the playoff push - and have the money to make it happen. What I question is the key players the Mariners would be getting would be prospects. Why? Look, I get the Mariners are going to lose 90-95 games this year (with or without Lee along for the ride), but why get more prospects? Especially catching prospects? In my opinion, the organization has spent too much time and effort on that position to "start over" with some other prospect behind the dish. Jeff Clement, Jamie Burke, Miguel Olivo, etc, etc... Not to mention all the time they've vested in Adam Moore. I think he deserves a little bit more of a shot at the Major League Level then a few weeks in April/May before we toss him aside and move on. Especially at the lofty price of a Cliff Lee. I think that if you are trading Lee - you go after immediate help. Not prospects.
On the horizon I see some tough decisions for the Mariners: what to do when Erik Bedard is "healthy" (will Cliff Lee still be a Mariner by then?); what to do when Jack Wilson is healthy (can they really afford to replace Josh Wilson's bat right now?); and probably the most difficult decision - what to do with Cliff Lee? Will these decisions make or break the Mariners season this year? Doubtful. This season is pretty far gone as is. But I do think that the next couple of team decisions had better pan out in favor of the Mariners - or both Don Wakamatsu (who some might already consider on the hot seat), and Jack Zduriencik might have to start looking over their shoulders for that pink slip.
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