Mariners make changes in the front office, on the field
Posted by The Skyliner on February 24th, 2010Cory Guinn
Sports Editor
In the 2009-10 Major League Baseball offseason few teams did as much to improve their team as the Seattle Mariners.
In a market such a Seattle, where rain is more common than wins, the Mariners were able to lure top-tier free agents and land one of the best pitchers in the MLB. At times, Seattle has been among baseball’s elite. In 2001, the Mariners had a historic season winning 116 games, and tying the record for the most wins in a single season. This franchise is not just now emerging. They are re-emerging.
The Mariners’ rebuilding began with the hiring of general manager Jack Zduriencik, who has a reputation around the majors as one of the game’s best evaluators of talent. With money to spend, he took advantage of his opportunity and began to make major changes.
One change made by the front office was to let go of third baseman Adrian Beltre. Beltre was signed to a huge contract in the summer of 2005 after he hit 48 home runs with the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, in his five-year tenure in Seattle, Beltre failed to hit more than 26 home runs in any season. After a subpar 2009 where he hit a measley .265 with only eight home runs, the Mariners knew they had to let the under-performing Beltre go his own way.
The first major change made was to sign infielder Chone Figgins to a four-year contract. At 32 years old, most teams were only offering Figgins two-year deals. When the Mariners came calling with more money and job security, they were able to land one of the game’s best utility players. Figgins gives this team more speed at the top of the order and will provide protection for Ichiro Suzuki. Figgins’ veteran presence will mesh well with the young talent in the clubhouse and prove to be one the offseason’s most notable moves.
A lesser-known and somewhat questionable move made by the Mariners was a trade for troubled outfielder Milton Bradley. Bradley, known for his locker room disruptions, was suspended by the Cubs for the final month of 2009 for “conduct detrimental to the team.” If he can keep quiet in the clubhouse, Bradley should prove to be a decent addition to the Seattle offense where he is projected to be the primary designated hitter.
After Seattle solidified their defense and offense, it was time to revamp the pitching staff to complete the makeover. Zduriencik pulled off the biggest trades of the offseason when he was able to join with Philadelphia and Toronto in a three-team deal, bringing right-hander Cliff Lee to the west coast.
Lee, the American League Cy Young award winner in 2008, was traded to Philadelphia midway through 2009 and helped lead the Phillies to a runner-up finish in the World Series. Lee, who finished 2009 with a 14-13 record, has amassed a career record of 90-52 to go along with a 3.97 ERA and 900 strikeouts. Lee will be paired with ace Felix Hernandez (19-5, 2.49 ERA, 217 Ks in 2009) to form one the most dominant one-two punches in the major leagues.
After taking a look at all the changes within the front office and on the field, it is easy to see that Seattle is a team that has turned the corner and is headed in the right direction. In an American League West Division normally dominated by the Anaheim Angels, the Mariners are now ready to be playoff contenders and make some noise around the league.
Tags: Spring 2010, Vol. 110 - Issue 5
You guys are doing great with sports. Keep it up.