WEDNESDAY, 8:14am: The Mariners and Ryan are working to reach a two-year deal, according to MLB.com's Greg Johns.
TUESDAY, 6:33pm: Jeff Evans, the team's manager of baseball information, confirms via email that the Mariners have not reached an agreement with Ryan.
5:14pm: The Mariners have signed infielder Brendan Ryan to a two-year contract worth $2.75MM according to Stephen Hawkins of the AP. Ryan was arbitration-eligible for the first time heading into 2011. He'll earn $1MM in 2011 and $1.75MM in 2012.
Ryan, 29 in March, was acquired from the Cardinals last month. He's just a .256/.314/.344 career hitter, but his value lies in his top-of-the-line defense at short. His +18.7 UZR at the position is the best in baseball since the start of the 2009 season, close to four runs better than the runner-up.
AL West here they come.
I like this signing for the Mariners. The Mariners like to field shortstops that can actually play the position. They need him for Jack Wilson insurance.
I actually think he could surprise some folks. He’s leaving a situation where his manager and teammates couldn’t stand him because he’s “annoying” and “different” and were pretty vocal about it and unforgiving about any mistake, big or little, he made. Wedge teams don’t play those kind of games. They either work with you or ship you out with nary a comment about it. Mariner fans, you should rejoice about that. Wedge is even going to get along with Milton. You are going to come to like ‘ol Eric.
They are going to welcome him with open arms and he’s going to stop playing to not make a mistake. I think he’ll be improved all around.
He will give the M’s great defense along with a 1970’s stache thing going on.
Locking up SS Brenden Ryan is a good move. Not only does it service to avoid arbitration hearings, but locking up a (clearly talented) player after an expectantly down year (wrist surgery) makes the contract more valuable as he regains full health.
Locking up SS Brenden Ryan is a good move. Not only does it service to avoid arbitration hearings, but locking up a (clearly talented) player after an expectantly down year (wrist surgery) makes the contract more valuable as he regains full health.
Yawn…
Seeing this just makes me want to go back to bed. He’s the poster boy for the Mariners lackluster off season.
Yawn…
Seeing your post makes me tired of reading all my fellow mariners fans wanting Jack Z to spend like Bill Bavasi. If I were you, I would be glad that Jack Z is giving his young guys a chance, well still adding some cheap players to make us a hair more respectable. Jack Cust is an upgrade over our dh’s last year, and Olivo is a lot better then Rob Johnson all around. Ryan I think will turn out better then Either Wilson, so really just be happy. Happy we didnt fork out a huge contract to some old player, or trade away our young talent for some washed up player. Good luck mariners!
Good move…please sign the guy and get it over with.