The Mariner Monitor

According to Mariner manager John McLaren, once promising outfield prospect Jeremy Reed is not a candidate to spell right fielder Brad Wilkerson, McLaren prefers a right hand hitter in that role. Reed, however is expected to compete for 1 of 2 reserve outfield positions on the roster.

Source: The Seattle Times

Could the Mariners have some interest in adding Barry Bonds? Recent speculation around the certain future Hall of Famer indicates Tampa Bay, St. Louis and somelike like Seattle could sign Bonds to a 1-year deal low-base salary laced with performance incentives. IF Seattle truly has interest, many issue would need to be addressed; where would Jose Vidro play, would the sheer presence of Bonds bring a circus-type atmosphere that would disrupt the clubhouse, how would the Mariner fans react, how much does Barry have left?

Although unlikely, if Seattle were able to add Bonds at a reasonable rate i.e., $3 million/year, I believe Bonds would provide an upgrade at DH, make the bench stronger, and occasionally spell Raul Ibanez and Brad Wilkerson in the outfield. Currently Jose Vidro is penciled in as the DH, however as steady as he has been, he doesn’t provide much power to the lineup. If Vidro were unseated at DH, he could find additional playing time at 2nd base and occasionally spell Richie Sexson at 1B and Bonds at DH.

Tough call, baggage aside, adding a presence like Barry Bonds to an already good offense would undoubtedly make the Mariners THE team to beat in the American League West.

The Tacoma News Tribune is reporting that manager John McLaren has named his 2008 starting rotation. Baring any unforseen injuries or set-backs the rotation is deep, talented, and impressive: Erik Bedard, Felix Hernandez, Carlos Silva, Jarrod Washburn, and Miguel Batista.

Legendary Seattle Mariners broadcaster Dave Niehaus is going into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Niehaus is the 2008 winner of the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcast excellence. He will be honored during the Hall of Fame induction ceremony July 27, at Cooperstown, N.Y. The announcement. Niehaus worked with the California Angels from 1969-1976 and joined the expansion Mariners in 1977. He was inducted into the Mariners’ Hall of Fame in 2000 and is known for his expression “My, oh my” for big plays.

Source: Tacoma News Tribune

Left-hander Erik Bedard, obtained last week from Baltimore in a 5-player deal, will start on Opening Day. Bedard was expected to compete with Felix Hernandez for the top spot in Seattle’s rotation, but Mariners manager John McLaren said he informed Bedard of his decision on Wednesday.

According to Baseball America, the following have been identified as the top (10) prospects in the Seattle organization:

1. Jeff Clement, c
2. Phillippe Aumont, rhp
3. Chris Tillman, rhp (Traded to Baltimore)
4. Carlos Triunfel, ss
5. Wladimir Balentien, of
6. Michael Saunders, of
7. Juan Ramirez, rhp
8. Mark Lowe, rhp
9. Ryan Rowland-Smith, lhp
10. Matt Tuiasosopo, 3b

With a little over five days until the official reporting of pitchers and catchers to spring training, there appears to be no imminent resolution to the potential Erik Bedard deal. In recent days, Bedard has been rumored to be on his way to Seattle to take a physical; however at this point there remains nothing ‘official’ to report. Because both the Mariners and Orioles would like to begin spring training knowing what their rosters look like, one would figure this deal gets done prior to February 14, 2008 or it doesn’t happen at all.

As expected Brad Wilkerson and the Mariners agreed to a $3 million, one-year deal, a move that mostly likely indicates that Seattle is close to finally acquiring pitcher Erik Bedard the Baltimore Orioles.