FEBRUARY 13: The deal is official, tweets Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune.
FEBRUARY 6: The Mariners have agreed to a two-year, $14MM deal with reliever Fernando Rodney, reports Jonah Keri of Grantland (via Twitter). Rodney, a client of MVP Sports Group, could earn up to $15MM if he meets the deal's incentives.
Soon to turn 37, Rodney established himself as one of the game's most dominant relievers during a 2012 career renaissance in Tampa Bay. Notching 48 saves for the Rays, Rodney threw 74 2/3 innings of 0.60 ERA ball that year, striking out 9.2 per nine while walking just 1.8 per nine. Though he was less dominant last year, Rodney still produced a 3.38 ERA over 66 2/3 innings, upping his strikeouts to a career-best 11.1 K/9 while surrendering 4.9 BB/9 (much closer to his career mark than the year prior).
As MLBTR's Steve Adams explained in his profile of Rodney at the onset of the off-season, Rodney had shown some of the most overpowering stuff of any of the free agent closers. Nevertheless, he was the last to sign of the premier bunch, and lands shy of the $18MM that Adams predicted he would get on a two-year pact. He checked in at 32nd on the list of the top fifty free agents, per MLBTR's Tim Dierkes.
Rodney's new deal bests that given by his former club to Grant Balfour (two years and $12MM), but falls short of the two-year, $15.5MM pact awarded Joaquin Benoit by the Padres. Amongst 2014 free agent closers, Joe Nathan (two years, $20MM) and Brian Wilson (two years, $19MM) have received the largest guarantees.
The Mariners were said to be one of the clubs most interested in Rodney, joining the Orioles and Mets in that regard. Though Danny Farquhar remains under team control for six more years after saving 16 games for Seattle last year, he will presumably bump down to a setup role now that Rodney is in the fold. Rodney represents the second-largest free agent commitment made by the Mariners this year, following Robinson Cano's massive ten-year, $240MM deal.
Seattle will hope that it gets the Rodney of the last two seasons rather than the less-than-stellar version of his earlier career. After strong seasons in 2005-06 in Detroit, Rodney posted five straight years in which he allowed over four runs per nine, though he saved 68 games for the Tigers and Angels over that stretch. Both the Steamer and Oliver projection systems like Rodney to produce solid results going forward, with each projecting him to post an ERA and FIP just north of 3.00.
In addition to control, one area to watch is Rodney's performance against left-handed batters. The righty has exhibited fairly minimal career platoon splits, allowing a .641 OPS to same-handed hitters and a .698 mark to lefties. Last year, however, those splits became more pronounced: he limited righties to a .169/.250/.288 line while posting a 3.00 K:BB ratio, but left-handers slashed .248/.363/.353 against Rodney and fared better in terms of true outcomes (1.92 K:BB). (Of course, the third true outcome — home runs — remains one of Rodney's calling cards: he has allowed just 0.32 long balls per nine over the last two years, one of the best rates in the game.)
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Wonder which Rodney they will get 2012-2013 Rodney or 2006-2011 Rodney. That will make this deal either a bargain or a total disaster.
no kidding…great now we get to see this guy on the west coast all the time…just wonderful…
I was hoping he would go to someone like the mets, and we wouldn’t be subjected to his archery any further over here
Because of your avatar I cannot resist. Moe, Larry, cheese!
I would imagine they will get the 2012-2013 version. Safeco field will play to his advantage as well.
Risky, but they’re going with the pitching strategy and in that park I don’t blame them. I just wonder defensively if this team can field the ball well enough for it to work.
Geez, what a high risk, high reward kind of signing.
So glad we got Balfour for 2/12 instead of Rodney 2/14! Steal for the Rays
Not much of a steal for the Rays but more so of bit of an overpay for the Mariners. I won’t disagree that Balfours deal is much better however.
Agreed.
I think they could have shaved a few mil per year on this deal.
It took him this long to sign, there couldn’t have been much of a market for him. They need to remember that they’re the ones holding the bags of cash.
Stuff like this adds up. They aren’t the Yankees, they need to think about resource allocation.
After looking at their numbers, they’re not that different, but people somehow make it sound as if balfour is that much better… I think 2/12 for both would be about right!
Yeesh, I don’t like this deal as much as I love the John Buck deal the Mariners just made.
I see this only going two ways. Either a really bad signing, or a really good signing. I think if he comes out and has two average seasons, the Mariners lost in this deal. But in the end it’s better to at least try then to do nothing. The don’t lose anything but cash.
Wow.. They traded Carter Capps off for Lomo.. I’d rather of had Capps over Rodney.. His upside is higher and both have control problems.. Capps is 23, Rodney 37. Capps will make 500k vs 15m over 2y?
I question this deal an awful lot.
Capps also lost a lot of gas on his fastball and gets eaten alive by lefties. I don’t want that guy anywhere near high leverage situations. I’d rather leave Danny at closer and get a cheaper BP piece and put Rodney’s money toward Jimenez, or something. I really don’t like the idea of giving many millions of dollars to a RP.
Capps is/was just 2y into pro ball last year. He might still develop into a good closer yet. His trouble with lefties could be a developmental problem that will get worked out and he throws as hard as Rodney, or nearly does. I’d trust his control as much.
I do agree with you 100% on allowing Farquhar (spelling) to close next year. He may have had some issues last year, but he’s young also and it may have just been a learning curve with him in 2013 that he may have had to overcome. rodney was bad for years…
I’ve got no issues using Furbush to be honest with you, even trying to use Furbush vs LH guys in the 9th to close out games.
Beyond velocity I’m just not seeing this “upside” you speak of. Capps gets roped most of the time out there. Hitters have very little trouble squaring him up.
Capps never got any time at all in the minor leagues. 1 year. He has some mechanical issues and needs to work a *little* on his slider, but it and his FB command IMHO are both top pitches, as is his ability to sit in the mid 90’s and touch 97+.
Seattle threw him in MLB games when he had around 3/4 of a season of MiLB experience, just too little and I dislike that, Boston did that with Erik Hansen, it led (to me) possibly ruining him. Hopefully the Fish will send Capps to AAA for part of 2014 to fine tune his mechanics and finish up on that slider, then get him back up.
Capps never got any time at all in the minor leagues. 1 year. He has some mechanical issues and needs to work a *little* on his slider, but it and his FB command IMHO are both top pitches, as is his ability to sit in the mid 90’s and touch 97+.
Seattle threw him in MLB games when he had around 3/4 of a season of MiLB experience, just too little and I dislike that, Boston did that with Erik Hansen, it led (to me) possibly ruining him. Hopefully the Fish will send Capps to AAA for part of 2014 to fine tune his mechanics and finish up on that slider, then get him back up.
No kidding. His first pitch in the majors was a 100mph strike. His second was a 100mph home run. That’s pretty much who he’s been to this point. I think it was a good trade for both clubs, actually.
Good move. But still need to Cruz into the next piece of the puzzle.
Is this a puzzle of the Titanic?
Great joke! Good question!
C’mon now- the titanic had survivors…..now trinoble is a different story. Similar to what will happen if they sign Cruz. It’ll blow up in their face and devistate the roster and teams cap space for a few years.
C’mon now- the titanic had survivors…..now trinoble is a different story. Similar to what will happen if they sign Cruz. It’ll blow up in their face and devistate the roster and teams cap space for a few years.
When you can’t manufacture your own closers, you’re not doing it right.
So Detroit and Tampa Bay aren’t doing things right?
Fair enough. I’d say the difference is that both of those teams are contenders and the Mariners aren’t even close to .500.
Detroit has Bruce Rondon, Tampa Bay has Jake McGee.
It’s their fault for not trusting those arms. They are not the model example.
Bruce Rondon 2013 – 28 innings pitched, 7 wild pitches, 1 balk, 3.5 BB/9, 2 HR allowed. Probably not their fault for not trusting him. Probably a little bit his fault.
The Tigers were ready to give Rondon every chance to win the closer’s job out of spring training last season. Rondon is not ready to close until he can harness his control better.
So much for the mets getting him. He would have be perfect insurance if parnell missed opening day
Way to take Farquhar’s job and ruin my al only team. No closers will be available to bid on at draft. Only have Perkins.
If he continues to pitch well, great move. Closer was a glaring hole for them. Unfortunately, they are probably still a few moves away if they want to be taken seriously. Cruz is a good starting point.
What did I say to get 2 down votes? Just wondering…
You didnt say anything wrong.
The Mariners don’t really need Cruz that badly. He doesn’t project to be that good of a hitter, and the projections don’t include the fact that his recent numbers were likely PED-assisted. I kind of think Almonte could outperform Cruz if you take defense and base running into account.
Good point, and those are big issues. I should’ve put Cruz as an example, but in general, I think mariners could use 1 more “impact” bat. Whether Cruz is that or not, that’s subjective, and I can see why he wouldn’t. Thanks.
i think they could use more impact bats too, but the reality is what impact is actually available?
People are entitled to there opinion. Dont take it personal. If all of us were on the same page there would be no need for discussions.
1.) You stated the obvious. “If he pitches well, it will be a great move.”
2.) Cruz is an aging one-trick-pony steroid user who many fans have come to dislike and do not want in Seattle. Your suggestion that adding him will get them closer to being taken seriously probably didn’t go over well with some people.
3.) You brought attention to your two downvotes, which probably garnered you a few more.
That said, I like right-handed power bats, and still think someone will do well to sign Cruz if they have an otherwise defensively adept outfield or an opening at DH. Since it seems to matter to you, I have upvoted your post. 🙂
They disagree with your opinion
Almost all M’s fans hate the idea of Cruz. I know I do. That’s probably why.
Well, the glaring hole bit was a bit offbase (pardon the pun) Farquhar did pretty well the second half/ 16 saves, 2.23 ERA, 0.928 WHIP. I just hope Rodney can match that for his money. I’m still on the fence about Cruz…only if no more than 2 years at club friendly $$.
Good point. Those are impressive stats for Farquhar. I’ll take back the glaring hole part. Thanks for the response.
Hey,if Rodney can what he’s done the past two years, I’ll take those two for the eighth and ninth innings.
Definitely. A good bullpen goes a long way. Just look at the Tigers, their bullpen was arguably the reason why they didn’t reach the WS. At the very least, you can never have enough closer type relievers on a team. The Red Sox had Hanrahan AND Andrew Bailey go down, but they had Uehara who carried them. I’m not a expert on the Mariner’s bullpen, but if Farquhar goes down without Rodney on the team, then who do they have to turn to, right? Depth is important.
“Just look at the Tigers, their bullpen was arguably the reason why they didn’t reach the WS.”
I said that from the start of the series that the Tigers have the much better rotation but the bullpen is a concern and it can cost them in the series. Surely enough, it did.
Farquhar was one of the best relief pitchers last season after being installed as closer. What the Mariners needed was bullpen depth, not a $14mm closer, in my opinion.
Yep, Wayne mentioned Farquhar, and I hadn’t realized how good he was. That’s a good point. In a way though, this is good bullpen depth move like I mentioned below about the Red Sox. Hanrahan and Andrew Bailey go down, and because they were well stocked with relievers with closer experience, they were just fine when Uehara took over. Now if either Farquhar or Rodney were to go down, they have someone to turn to for the closers role, either it be Farquhar or Rodney. Whether this luxury was worth $14mm, that’s subjective. But just to shine light on the move.
I liked Farquhar so this isn’t a big upgrade at closer.
This IS, however, a huge upgrade over the crappy relievers at the back end of the Mariners bullpen. It trickles down through the whole of the pitching staff.
Seattle’s gonna be a bad clubhouse.
Robinson Cano thinks he’s the next big Papi, Fernando Rodney is pompous, doesn’t even wear his hat right, and Logan Morrison is a loose canon. Noted disputes in the front office and a bad GM historically trying to spend boatloads just to save his job, not to mention they have a first year manager? And are still not better than Texas or Oakland. Recipe for disaster.
Bringing in Nelson Cruz would be the cherry on top of this Multi year disaster.
Yeah thumb me down, the truth hurts. Thankfully Seattle has Seahawks & Russell Wilson.
Yeah, what’s the story with the constantly crooked hat. Is there a message? If so, I missed it!
It’s a tribute to his father who he says was always a carefree guy.
Which is some of the dumbest logic I’ve ever heard. It just seems like a really obscure stretch so that he can where his hat the way he wants to, imo.
That may be true, but Mariners will have better record and chance than the Yankees who are still the fourth best team in the east after spending half a billion dollars.
Explain how the Orioles or Blue Jays are better.
Toronto is not better. Baltimore is. In 2013, NYY scored 650 runs and surrendered 671 runs for a differential of -21. In contrast, Baltimore scored 745 runs and surrendered 709 runs for a differential of +36. Baltimore needs its pitching to mature. New York needs a roster overhaul. They plan to start bench-man Kelly Johnson at 3B this year. They have Brian Roberts fighting for 2B. They have 40 year old Jeter at SS. They have no pitching. Tex is coming off major injury and hasn’t been great offensively in some time. They basically have a nice outfield.
By Pythagorean last year, the Orioles were better. Overall, they weren’t (standings show the same record, Yankees officially in 3rd due to seaosn series win).
The Yankees improved this offseason, the Orioles haven’t.
Using last year’s stats is completely irrelevant. Need I remind you what the 2012 and 2013 Red Sox did (not that I”m comparing either of these 2 teams to them though, that’s not my point)
However if you still would like to use them anyway, The Orioles had a 4.20 ERA overall last year and 4.57 ERA from the rotation. For the Yankees it was 3.94 overall and 4.08 from the rotation. Both better than the Orioles and in a much more friendly hitters ballpark.
The fact that you think the Yankees have no pitching is laughable. If CC bounces back to form and if Tankaa lives up to expectations, they have one of the best 1-4 rotations in the division and in baseball
I’ll give the edge to the Orioles in offense but the pitching is not even close. Huge advantage Yankees. I’d be stunned if the Orioles finish better than the Yankees next year.
“The fact that you think the Yankees have no pitching is laughable. IF…. IF…. and IF….” <— My point exactly.
Actually that wasn’t your point, you never said If. I did. This was your sentence:
“They have no pitching.”. That was the only place you mentioned pitching in your statement. And yet you have yet to say how the Orioles pitching is better. Why bring up the Yankees weak infield but not bring up the Orioles weak pitching? Being a Oriole homer and/or Yankee hater?
I already know their infield is a question mark. It doesn’t mean it’s going to be terrible.
Maybe that wasn’t his point, but saying the yankees have no pitching can’t be laughable if you have to say if so many times…
Every team has Ifs. The 2 Ifs I mentioned (CC bouncing back and Tanaka having a very good season) are both projected to happen however based on Zips, Steamer, and Oliver. I’m aware the keyword is projected, but do not be surprised to see the front 4 of the Yankees have a good season. It’s the infield that’s the big question, but I can’t picture the left side of the IF being worse than it was last year.
“Baltimore needs its pitching to mature. New York needs a roster overhaul.”
You’re forgetting the third phase of the game, defense, at which the 2014 Yankees infield is going to be terrible.
You actually think the infield defense is going to be a deciding factor? Did you forget that they have a great defensive replacement SS for late innings and a gold glove defensive 1B returning?
And since when did a team have to be great defensively? The Cubs were the 2nd best defensive team in the NL and all of baseball. The Cardinals were the 2nd Worst defensive team in the NL. The Red Sox were ranked 17th. Defense, while important, is Extremely Overvalued.
So is it important, or overvalued?
As I said, both. For example, Jeter and Ryan who are teammates and have a complete opposite skillset. One can hit but can’t field. One can field but can’t hit. Give me Jeter in innings 1-8 and Ryan in inning 9 (in a save situation)
In the game of baseball, the object is to score more runs than your opponent in 56% of your games or more, in order to achieve a playoff berth, and win those games too. You score more runs than your opponents by A.) Scoring runs, and B.) Keeping the other team from scoring runs. The defense consists of the players on the field not standing in the batter’s box. They are responsible for stopping the other team from scoring runs. If they can’t stop the team from scoring runs, they have to go score more runs to beat the team. To do this, they have to get on base, go around the bases, and cross home plate before getting out three times.
The Yankees infield defense will be horrible in 2014. Their starting pitching may pass, but their bullpen will not. Note: The Sandman has exited the building.
Also, that offense will be quite weak.
“In the game of baseball, the object is to score more runs than your opponent in 56% of your games or more, in order to achieve a playoff berth, and win those games too. You score more runs than your opponents by A.) Scoring runs, and B.) Keeping the other team from scoring runs.
The defense consists of the players on the field not standing in the batter’s box. They are responsible for stopping the other team from scoring runs. If they can’t stop the team from scoring runs, they have to go score more runs to beat the team. To do this, they have to get on base, go around the bases, and cross home plate before getting out three
times.”
Gee thanks, I didn’t ask for Baseball 101.
“The Yankees infield defense will be horrible in 2014. Their starting pitching may pass, but their bullpen will not. Note:The Sandman has exited the building”
Gee thanks. I only went to his ceremony and final game so I’m aware of that too. FYI, Jim Johnson has departed too.
I’m done arguing with you because now you’re just trolling.
You are correct. I truly am just trolling, no sarcasm. I am a Yankee hater. Although I do actually believe they will be quite bad in 2014, which is an enjoyable belief for me. I believe that Adam Jones and Chris Davis are both better offensively than any player on the NYY, and that Machado is also excellent. I believe that Baltimore is far better defensively. And I believe that the gap in pitching will be narrowed, not widened, in 2014. Although I am excited to see how good this Tanaka kid really is.
“Although I do actually believe they will be quite bad in 2014”. They can be an 80 win team like their Pythagorean record said they were last year (technically that was 79 actually), or they can be a 90+ win team if expectations live up, much to like your 2013 Red Sox (I take it you’re a Red Sox fan now by the avatar which I didn’t look at really before, and the screen name too lol)
Davis I”ll agree with. but Id take a few Yankee batters before I’d take Jones, including McCann, Beltran and Ellsbury. And yes Machado is excellent.
Baltimore is far better defensively. I never argued that.
“And I believe that the gap in pitching will be narrowed, not widened, in 2014″ I disagree there.”
Let’s see what happens and hope for another good 2014 season.
Ciao.
This is the most Yankee fan comment ever.
This is the most Met fan comment ever.
Spending to save his job? Every GM in one city I know of has done that for the last 40 years!
Felix runs that clubhouse. And having the next Bi Papi on your team is not a bad thing…hence the 3 World Series rings…
Clubhouse chemistry is overrated. Cano and Rodney have both been on winning teams over the last few years. I worry a bit about LoMo’s Internet persona, but if he does anything outrageous the team can dump him without losing much. This is a non-issue to me.
Your comment is the definition of being pompous. You think Fernando Rodney is pompous because he wears his hat crooked? King Felix also wears his a little crooked, he must be pompous as well. Joe Maddon says he loves it so I guess he is pompous too.
Logan Morrison may have had his disputes but he also had nothing but good things to say about the Marlins front office as well as Loria after he as traded.
Robinson Cano thinks he is the next big papi because why? Yankee fan “he never hustles” Boohoo, he left us.
You sir are pompous. The truth is you don’t know, you just want to act like you do.
If you help win games, why does it matter how you wear your hat?
Thats what I got out of his comment as well. I really dislike fellow Yankee fans who just pile on dirt on him for simply leaving the team.
Thats what I got out of his comment as well. I really dislike fellow Yankee fans who just pile on dirt on him for simply leaving the team.
McLendon was a manager for the Pirates.
Sour grapin’. I feel better about the M’s than I would about the glass players on the field in Yankee Stadium. The offseason moves brought the Yankees avg. age down to what? ~35 years?
Rodney pompous… Give me a break. I want my closers to be self-important. They are like WWF Stars (cue the entrance music). You know who else didn’t wear their hat right? Ken Griffey Jr. He must have been one pompous jerkoff.
Tought to be better than Texas or Oakland since both are top teams… Seattle has done a whole lot to gain ground though.
I hope the Mariners don’t sign Cruz… I would much rather make some trades, or go into the season as is then sign Cruz. If it happens – fine. I won’t agree, but it’s a pretty much guaranteed 25 HRs if healthy, even if he does hit .250/.300.
“Seattle has done a whole lot to gain ground though.”
Aside from the Cano signing, and to an extent, Rondey, how? Corey Hart does not have great stats away from Milwaukee and Logan Morrison is an average hitter at best.
“Seattle has done a whole lot to gain ground though.”
Aside from the Cano signing, and to an extent, Rondey, how? Corey Hart does not have great stats away from Milwaukee and Logan Morrison is an average hitter at best.
Between a core of young players, and one of the best set of young pitchers… Read man, read. I wasn’t talking solely offseason.
And you’re right – bringing in of THE best hitters/defenders in the game isn’t that big of a deal.
“Between a core of young players, and one of the best set of young pitchers.”
All of whom are question marks. Success in minors doesn’t always translate to success in majors. And for many it’s even harder to do it in the first year there as well.
“And you’re right – bringing in of THE best hitters/defenders in the game isn’t that big of a deal.”
Where did I say it isn’t that big of a deal? The first thing I said (beside putting in your quote) was “Aside from the Cano signing”.
Read man, read.
“Between a core of young players, and one of the best set of young pitchers.”
All of whom are question marks. Success in minors doesn’t always translate to success in majors. And for many it’s even harder to do it in the first year there as well.
“And you’re right – bringing in of THE best hitters/defenders in the game isn’t that big of a deal.”
Where did I say it isn’t that big of a deal? The first thing I said (beside putting in your quote) was “Aside from the Cano signing”.
Read man, read.
The team needs to perform well in order to keep the clubhouse from blowing up. There are indeed some hot headed players gracing a Mariners uniform now…but solid/successful baseball will keep everyone in check and possibly produce a winning team for the first time in a while.
The team needs to perform well in order to keep the clubhouse from blowing up. There are indeed some hot headed players gracing a Mariners uniform now…but solid/successful baseball will keep everyone in check and possibly produce a winning team for the first time in a while.
At least he could help attract Nelson Cruz since they both (and Robinson Cano) played on the Dominican Republic team in the WBC together.
Yessssssss….Good sign!….Good sign!….
Said the Orioles and all other teams linked to Rodney not from Seattle.
Look, team chemistry is something you need to succeed. Remember back to the WBC? Look who was on that team… Cano, Rodney, and Cruz. Look how they did.
I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if Cano is nudging the higher ups to sign these guys. And at the price they are paying him, they will listen.
Hopefully the Mariners realize they are paying Cano to perform on the field and in the clubhouse and not the front office. That would always be troublesome if a player held that sway to nudge and/or demand the FO to make a move of their liking.
There is something to be said for making sure your new, “franchise” free agent is comfortable. Signing two of his buddies would do that I’d think.
wasn’t it that back when melky was with the yankees that he actually was a bad influence on cano during the games? I vaguely remember something of that sorts and if it’s true than wouldnt it be too counter productive for seattle?
Talent only comes with success.
Totally unnecessary signing for the M’s. They have Farquhar (best swing and miss percentage in the majors last year) with Wilhelmsen (dominant for a while) as a backup. Waste of resources. Would rather see them trade for a right-handed power hitting outfielder not named Nelson Cruz. They have Ackley and Franklin as extra pieces that could be used as the package (or part of one) for someone like Jose Bautista, Dayan Viciedo, Josh Willingham, Ryan Ludwick… or maybe even Ryan Braun, if the Brewers are of a mind to rid themselves of a problem.
Agreed! I get the bad beeling they will end up with Cruz!
Bautista and Braun aren’t available. The other three just aren’t very good (Viciedo) or perpetually injured (the other two). There aren’t any good available, starting quality outfielders on the market. If there were, the M’s would have gotten one.
Danny is only 26… Plenty of youth to build upon an unproven pro career. No question in my mind he will be the closer after Fernando. Give him some time to better himself while having a very quality closer in line for the next 2 years.
I also love the fun Rodney brings. Someone already mentioned team chemistry. Cano and Rodney played together in a GREAT WBC. This team is young – the more chemistry and fun the better.
Questioning Rodney’s performance – don’t forget this is Safeco Field we are talking about.
Fernando Rodney was on my “fingers crossed” list of players the M’s should sign. I love the move.
I like the move. Everyone knew the Mariners needed serious bullpen help. Where else were they supposed to get it? Rodney has had 85 saves over the past 2 years. He should be an at minimum above average reliever for the next two seasons. It’s a 2 year deal at $7 mil/year. Shouldn’t break the bank. I never bought into the “out of money” sham Seattle was trying to pull a few weeks ago. They just signed a huge TV deal and had a payroll lower than last year.
Seattle Mariners could win easily the west division this year….
I wouldn’t say that
Lol this (BROC that is) is the same guy that said “Seattle Mariners could sign Masahiro Tanaka this week….” every single day before Tanaka was signed
Wishful thinking
Not a crazy thought but I’d hardly say “easily”. They need a legit 5 hitter. It will likely come in the form of Nelson Cruz. It’ll be interesting to see how he fairs with the fences moved in at Safeco. I know Cruz has a bad career line at Safeco, but does anyone know what his numbers in the stadium were last year after the fences were brought in?
He should pitch good in that park
Seattle Mariners next big sign….
Nelson Cruz?
Fernando Rodney is one of the best closers in the big leagues….
When he is with the Rays.
Needs to get his walks under control. If he can he should be a lock for 35+ saves.
They were like the twolves with an all white offense. Trying to mix it up. They will finish ahead of the Astros, but that’s it. Only chance of finishing ahead of any of the other 3 is Oakland have major injuries/down years.
Seattle going all out to get 3rd in the West this year.
Lots of good news for my Orioles!
Rodney signs with the M’s and I thank God for that!
Marmol signs with the Fish, I think God for that as well!
It’s not what the Orioles do most of the time, it’s what someone else does that prevents the Orioles from doing what I don’t want them to do! =P
As a side note, I thought h Danny Farquhar did a great job for them in later part of the season, Maybe, he will be traded or be a valuable set-up man..
Oh and the Orioles still haven’t done anything this offseason! Seriously, if I was of that fanbase I’d be so frustrated after their 2012 season, just sitting around ignoring holes in the roster…
@BNightengale: #Mariners say they are all in and yes, are cautiously optimistic they will also sign slugger Nelson Cruz
He Had one of the best seasons Ever for a closer back in 2012, but I wouldn’t call a closer with a 3.70 career ERA and 1.36 WHIP one of the best in the league. Since 2007, his WHIP has been 1.32 or worse in every year except 2012
I seriously do not have a clue how he did well in 2012 compared to his previous years. His BB/9 ratio is a terrible 4.5, that year it was 1.8. K/BB ratio is 1.94, that year 5.07. ERA 3.70, that year 0.60
In three words:
Hickey and Maddon
Well he didn’t repeat that performance last year (then again it’s very hard to) but his 2013 numbers were similar to his career norms as far as WHIP and BB/9 go. ERA slightly better than career but not great for a closer.
Well he didn’t repeat that performance last year (then again it’s very hard to) but his 2013 numbers were similar to his career norms as far as WHIP and BB/9 go. ERA slightly better than career but not great for a closer.
Thank you. I just wanted honest opinions so I know for future reference so I don’t offend in the future.
Down voting doesn’t necessarily mean people are offended. Some people down vote for just a disagreement or having an opposite perspective
I still think they are a 4th place team to be honest, 3rd at best. The A’s and Rangers are in a group of their own.
Agreed, if they would have landed Tanaka , and resigned Morales as well as getting a good OF via trade. I could see them having the edge over Oak possibly.
Oakland is still the best team in the AL West IMO.
Why do people put the Rangers on such a high horse? Their pitching is crap outside of Darvish and Holland is out.
I wouldn’t say it’s crap, but their offense is good enough to support the lower-tier pitchers…especially now with Choo and Prince. The M’s offense is not something to really rave about.
It is disappointing to be sure.
What makes it even crazier, there were 15,000 fans at last weeks
Fan Fest. No one took on the “Duke” or Showalter.
While, I wasn’t there, that’s what I heard. It’s stunning really.
The Mariners need a bigger splash than this. In my opinion, I think the A’s, Rangers, and Angels have more complete teams.
Angels continue to get old/down years from Pujols and Hamilton. They could get third place if they add another good starter/outfielder.
IF he was truly carefree he would pitch naked
With his hat tipped to the side
“IF he was truly carefree he would pitch naked”
*Kevin Hart voice* No, no, no, no, no
Seattle is 1 big bat away from being a threat in the AL West. Cruz next?
Rangers lost a top starting pitcher and the A’s have a poor defensive SS who is due for injury and will miss Colon and Balfour, while the Angels simply don’t have the pitching IMO. All of them are good teams on paper but have flaws
If it was not for the Astros I would call the AL West as strong as the AL East
The M’s could use a bat, but it would be best if that bat could play a defensive position. I would wait on a Kemp deal. Ackley OPSd .972 in Tacoma under the guidance of Howard Johnson. HoJo will be in Seattle now. Ackley OPSd .809 post ASB after HoJo turned him around. I’ll take Ackley in LF, Saunders in CF and Hart/Morrison in RF/DH.
The M’s are just fine as far as bats go at this point unless you can get a no-brainer like Kemp or Braun.
What the M’s need now is a #3 SP.
Ackley also had much worse defensive numbers than Cruz and his big 2nd half was just a big August.
Well, the kid played OF without a lot of prep. Give the kid a break. He’s a good athlete and will look much better after a full ST behind him.
Well, the kid played OF without a lot of prep. Give the kid a break. He’s a good athlete and will look much better after a full ST behind him.
Ackley also had much worse defensive numbers than Cruz and his big 2nd half was just a big August.
Choker!
Here is the M’s line-up as it stands today + Nelson Cruz. ENJOY!
1. Brad Miller – SS (Switch)
2. Kyle Seager- 3B (Switch)
3. Cano – 2B (LH)
4. Cruz – DH/RF (RH)
5. Hart – 1B/RF/DH (RH)
6. Logan Morrison – RF/LF (LH)
7. Saunders – CF/LF (LH)
8. Zunino – C (RH)
9. Dustin Ackley – LF/CF (LH)
Bench: Smoak – DH/1B
Rotatin:
1. King Felix Hernandez
2. Iwikuma
3. Baker
4. Walker
5. Paxton
Bulpin:
Closer: Rodney
Set Up: LH – Furbush
RH – Farquar
Long Relief – Pryor
My take:
Offense – Good mix of BA, power, and enough speed. Too many SO’s though. Overall strong enough offense to compete in the excellent AL West.
Pitching – Great starting pitching! Deep bullpin, great stuff, but too many walks. Lots of arms to give help Walker, Paxton, and Baker out when they only throw 6-7 innings a game. Baker may be a HUGE pickup if he can throw 175-200 innings.
Overall: The M’s are contenders this year. Yes, I said contenders. If the young guys (Miller, Ackley, Saunders, LoMo, and Zunino) can hit over .250/.330/.450 I think we can surprise some people and win the AL West.
Prediction: 87-75… Not enough for the playoffs, but enough to revive baseball in the Pacific NW and build towards our 2015 World Series. Walker and Paxton will compete for AL ROY, and Baker will compete for comeback POY.
Bold prediction.
Enough speed? Their offense has barely any speed. Ranked 28th in SB last year. Saunders led the team in steals with 13 SB. UBR last year had them 28th out of 30th and none of their new players are exactly speedy guys (correct me if I’m wrong, I can’t remember every transaction lol)
Pitching, excellent 1/2 with Felix/Iwikuma at the front, but the back end has a lot of question marks. I don’t care how players do in the minors. Unproven = ?. Some prospects work out, most are busts (not calling any of them busts by the way, just saying it’s a ? for now)
You only listed a few relievers. Their overall bullpen isn’t strong. Rodney has had 1 very good year his whole career (2012). Farquar is solid as is Furbursh (both BB a lot of batters)
Right now at this point, I’d call them an average at best team. Improvement over last year because i can’t picture their SP being as bad, but I don’t think they are in compeition. I’d say 82-80, 3rd or 4th place.
Bold prediction.
Enough speed? Their offense has barely any speed. Ranked 28th in SB last year. Saunders led the team in steals with 13 SB. UBR last year had them 28th out of 30th and none of their new players are exactly speedy guys (correct me if I’m wrong, I can’t remember every transaction lol)
Pitching, excellent 1/2 with Felix/Iwikuma at the front, but the back end has a lot of question marks. I don’t care how players do in the minors. Unproven = ?. Some prospects work out, most are busts (not calling any of them busts by the way, just saying it’s a ? for now)
You only listed a few relievers. Their overall bullpen isn’t strong. Rodney has had 1 very good year his whole career (2012). Farquar is solid as is Furbursh (both BB a lot of batters)
Right now at this point, I’d call them an average at best team. Improvement over last year because i can’t picture their SP being as bad, but I don’t think they are in compeition. I’d say 82-80, 3rd or 4th place.
No matter how much pitching they sign there’s a hole the size of Seattle in their lineup
Where? Not complete… but I don’t see the large “hole” you speak of.
Where? Pretty much every position except 2B and 3B. Miller at SS isn’t a “hole” but he’s still young and has got a lot to prove still. And who knows what to expect out of Hart who missed all of last year and has sub par numbers away from Milwaukee.
The Cano acquisition was great but you also lost (unless you re-sign Morales) your 2 leaders in wRC+ from last year in Ibanez and Morales for a team that was ranked 20th last year. And their OF IMO is awful (heck, why do you think your team is after Cruz).
Where? Pretty much every position except 2B and 3B. Miller at SS isn’t a “hole” but he’s still young and has got a lot to prove still. And who knows what to expect out of Hart who missed all of last year and has sub par numbers away from Milwaukee.
The Cano acquisition was great but you also lost (unless you re-sign Morales) your 2 leaders in wRC+ from last year in Ibanez and Morales for a team that was ranked 20th last year. And their OF IMO is awful (heck, why do you think your team is after Cruz).
There’s a sucker born every minute, Lord…
Fernando will be missed in TB
Great signing. I was hoping that the yankees would make a dark horse signing and grab him. I am really not comfortable with Robertson as the close but we will see what happens. Mariners will be a contender this year in the west no doubt.
I like the deal for the simple reason that it improves their roster. There are still loads of questions swirling around this franchise though, and a rock solid trade for a quality outfielder would help answer some of those questions. Not sure where they’d turn to for something like that, but I’m remaining cautiously optimistic that they’ll get a few more things done here to continue to improve their roster.
2014 Mariners sound like the 2012 Marlins – signing a bunch of decent players to ridiculous contracts to go “all in.” Rodney will probably be worth the contract, but Corey Hart, Nelson Cruz (not yet, but seems likely), and Cano seem like terrible deals.
Let’s see, Corey Hart is signed for only 6 million, Rodney is not signed to anywhere near as ridiculous of a contract as Bell, and Cano does not have anywhere near the injury history as Reyes. No, not like the Marlins, unless they sign Ervin Santana to his originally wanted 100 million dollar contract.
2014 Mariners sound like the 2012 Marlins – signing a bunch of decent players to ridiculous contracts to go “all in.” Rodney will probably be worth the contract, but Corey Hart, Nelson Cruz (not yet, but seems likely), and Cano seem like terrible deals.
I’m not a fan of Rodney’s by any means. But his numbers, other than the BB/9 have been pretty solid the past 2 years and he has played in the toughest division in baseball. again, not my favorite closer, but people here are talking about him as if he’s terrible and he’s not!
He will compete with The King Hernandez for who has the most crooked cap
Now stop goofing around and sign a decent starter.
I mean hes been good, I just dont trust him…
inb4 4.00 era