Comments on: Free Agent Sluggers

By: Brandon

Brandon — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 20:20:08 +0000

I think Burrell would be the most Richie-like.
I would be happy if we signed Bradley, content with Dunn, and straight up pissed with Burrell.

By: seatownsports

seatownsports — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 07:03:38 +0000

Out of the three, I like Bradley the most. Burrell will cost a lot and Dunn has Richie Sexson written all over him.

By: Jon Shields

Jon Shields — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 06:34:45 +0000

Great stuff, Jason.

After Wak brought up the possibility of moving Lopez to 1B we talked about Hudson for a while, but the idea faded away pretty quickly. Perhaps it’s time to take another look at the possibility and what it would mean for the Seattle Mariners ballclub..

By: JAC

JAC — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 05:49:04 +0000

It really sounds like one of the remaining bats – Burrell, Dunn, etc, – would have to fall into Jack’s lap, almost literally.

It’s also been tough, since the park opened, to get bats interested in Seattle equally, so it’s a long shot to begin with.

It sure sounds like Jack is protecting 2010 and 2011′s payroll, too.

BTW, this is what I got when I asked some in the game about Seattle being connected to any impact names.

“Bradley? Nothing.”

“I haven’t heard that he (Jack) is in on any of the bigger names. They’re bargain shopping.”

“A bat isn’t even their biggest area of need, considering their rebuild project. I heard they are high on Hudson if the market clears the way some more. I guess they’d move some infielders around if they had to. But Dunn is looking for a warm weather place where he can play right field. That’s from his agent, too.”

By: Librarian

Librarian — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 05:34:03 +0000

I’d love to see us sign any of these sluggers–to a one year deal. Anything longer and I’d rather save my 2010/11 dollars to go after an a-list player, or players who fit our needs when we’re realistically closer to contending (and know what those needs are).

By: ernier

ernier — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 20:57:49 +0000

The problem with all of these guys is you really want them to be your DH, but since nobody is really sure if Clement is healthy enough or has the defensive skills to catch every day he’ll have to get his AB’s at DH. I think it would be a mistake to not give Clement AB’s everyday because if he does figure it out he can be one of those left handed power bats we need.

It might be better to try and get a LF with power via a trade. Maybe use Vlady and pitching to try and get a guy.

By: chris d

chris d — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 20:44:01 +0000

I think that Clement should be given the opportunity to be the DH instead of bringing in a slugger for a 2 year or 3 year contract. He does not have necessary catching skills and is not durable and he has struggled in each minor league level in the beginning. He can and will adjust to ML pitching and be a successful DH. It would be to his advantage if he gets experience at 1B. He is having trouble letting go of his catcher fantasy.

By: Jon Shields

Jon Shields — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 20:27:19 +0000

I agree with that, especially on a one year deal.

Just as long as he doesn’t see much time in the outfield. He’s scary out there.

By: Shawnuel

Shawnuel — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 20:07:05 +0000

Aside from Bradley, Abreu would be at the top of my list for one reason. Like Bradley, he is a legitimate #3 hitter, something we don’t have currently.

By: Paul5418

Paul5418 — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 07:39:10 +0000

I wouldn’t mind Abreu…rumors are that most of the mid-tier sluggers aside from Dunn and Bradley (Abreu, Burrell, Giambi, Griffey) are going to have to settle for one or two year contracts given the market. This is a good year to sign a decent player to a short term contract.

By: Slurve

Slurve — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 05:53:25 +0000

How bout Giambi, or Abreu? They could fill the DH option and what about Crede I’d only sign him if Beltre was traded though…

By: Jon Shields

Jon Shields — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 04:10:08 +0000

Thanks for the input, Jason. I would bet that a lot of (most?) “rumors” are simply speculation blown out of proportion.

Just a few weeks ago Zduriencik did say he’s not done, though.

“We’d like to get a legitimate power hitter, if possible.”

Perhaps that is someone besides Dunn or Burrell, like an Eric Hinske or (unfortunately) Ken Griffey?

It seems that Dunn and Burrell could become possibilities down the road if they’re not right now, depending on how the market shakes out.

I guess we’ll see. Glad to see you back on the site, Churchill.

By: JAC

JAC — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 03:36:08 +0000

FWIW, the M’s have been connected to Bradley via speculation only. Media, fan forums and the like, but Bradley isn’t fond of Seattle, Safeco Field or the idea of a rebuilding team.

The M’s would have to make the money do their negotiating, and that’s very unlikely at this point.

You can say the same for Dunn and Burrell, with the possible exceptions of not being fond of Seattle and/or Safeco.