Jarrod Washburn is having a bit of a resurgence this season, sporting a 3.22 ERA, with a 2.37 ERA over his previous six games. Slight improvement in his strikeout rate plus increased success against left-handed hitters (.162 against) have the 34 year old seeming a decent commodity.
Peter Gammons said Washburn could be had. The Dodgers have reportedly been eyeing the veteran lefty; however a Juan Pierre for Washburn swap would not work because of Pierre's contract. Washburn has around $5.9MM left on his contract, as well as no-trade protection.
Greg Johns at the Seattle Post Intelligencer thinks the Mariners should not sell high, even as Washburn's value peaks with every good outing. Barring a good package of prospects, Johns feels that Seattle "will want to continue riding Washburn's strong season and see how far they can go." After all, they're only 2.5 games behind the first place Rangers, and are 7-3 in their last 10 games.
Johns also notes Washburn's balky left knee causes him discomfort every pitch. Mike Sweeney is quoted in the piece saying, "He can barely walk the four days between starts. His knee is killing him, he's got a bad back. Yet every fifth day he goes out and pitches with all his heart."
If the standings don't change dramatically before the July 31st trade deadline, would the Mariners be better suited to sell high on Jarrod Washburn?
