It appears as though left-handed ace Erik Bedard will either get a bunch of money to stay in Baltimore or he will indeed be traded. Sources close to the Orioles indicate Peter Angelos would prefer to keep his ace pitcher and has contacted Bedard in an attempt to discuss a five-year contract extension. However, there is speculation that Bedard who has little interest in pitching for a team in transition i.e., Baltimore or in a high-pressure atmosphere like Boston, New York, or even Los Angeles. Bedard is rumored to be seeking a 7-year $100 million extension and might be intrigued by the opportunity to pitch in Seattle.
Speculation around baseball is that the Mariners are offering the best package of players including top-notch prospect Adam Jones, along with pitchers Chris Tillman, George Sherrill, and Tony Butler. The Mariners off-season goal has been to add a top-notch starter to an already deep rotation that includes Felix Hernandez, Jarrod Washburn, Miguel Batista, and newly signed ex-Twin Carlos Silva. Bedard went 13-5 in 2007 with a 3.16 ERA and 221 strikeouts and considered by most to be just entering his prime.
Noteworthy to all of this is that the Mariners appear to be holding on to their best three prospects; SS Carlos Triunfel, Catcher Jeff Clement and Pitcher Brandon Morrow. Yet, if the Mariners are able to consume the Bedard deal, it creates an opening in left field and it is believed that Seattle already has a deal in place with ex-Ranger Brad Wilkerson (.234 20 62) to play right field and occasionally spell Richie Sexson at first base and Jose Vidro at DH. Although the trade for Bedard comes at a steep price; Adam Jones is projected to develop into a productive gold-glove caliber centerfielder and Chris Tillman could eventually become a top of the rotation starter, and Tony Butler also has a high-ceiling, but the addition of a true-ace like Erik Bedard simply makes sense. Bedard is someone the Mariners can build a competitive team around for years, plus his acquisition allows the Mariners time to develop future star pitcher Brandon Morrow with the need to not ‘rush’ him to the majors. The move also slides 21-year old Felix Hernandez down to the #2 slot in the rotation which in turn takes pressure off of Jarrod Washburn, Miguel Batista, and Carlos Silva.
Given that adding Erik Bedard and to a lesser extent Brad Wilkerson clearly makes Seattle at least co-favorites to win the American League West; I would bet that the Los Angeles Angels are keeping a close eye on this. Let’s hope General Manager Bill Bavasi pulls it off.
13 days and counting until pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training…Stay tuned!