The Market

by ~ February 11th, 2009 at 1:47 pm

Adam Dunn has signed with the Washington Nationals on a 2 year deal worth $20M.  I’m a little surprised he managed to get that much considering there weren’t really any other teams bidding for his services.  He’ll be playing first base, a wise move for the Nats.

The Nationals have a ton of expendable players Seattle could get on the cheap, most likely Nick Johnson and Austin Kearns.  Jarrod Washburn makes some sense for them if they’re seeking experience, so keep an eye on that.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Angels are moving in on Bobby Abreu.  Nothing is imminent, but they certainly have pulled into the lead for his services as they have more financial resources to work with (presumably) than the Mariners and White Sox.  Seattle could still surprise and jump into the fray, if anything just to drive up his price a bit.

Orlando Hudson is still on the market, and just lost a suitor in the Nationals.  The Dodgers are the only team seemingly interested at this point, and he doesn’t make a ton of sense for him.  We heard a rumor a while back that Seattle’s new management liked Hudson and would monitor him, so that is a possibility.  In that scenario Jose Lopez would most likely bump over to 1B.

Most people think it’s only a matter of time now until Ken Griffey returns to the Mariners.  Better him than Garret Anderson, I guess.  GM Jack Zduriencik said earlier this offseason that signing Junior would be his last move of the offseason if he decided to do it, meaning he’s the last ditch option.  Jim Edmonds should probably be lumped in with Griffey and Anderson.

Other possible trade targets: Baltimore’s Luke Scott is expendable and would be a nice fit in left field.  Chicago’s Jim Thome or even Jermaine Dye could make some sense on a bad contract swap.

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  • Mariners121212

    Trade Wash for Dye!

  • http://bleedingblueandteal.com Jon Shields

    Dye’s poor defense nearly negates his offense. Ugh.

  • Mariners121212

    I would still rather have Dye’s terrible defense that Washburn’s terrible arm.At least Dye can hit well, in my opinion Washburn can’t do anything well but whine about Johjima’s pitch calling.

  • Slugoben

    Have Dye play dh or just let the kids play

  • moethedog

    Or just sign Ray Durham to a lowball contract…nobody seems to want him….but, Sheeesh, what a consistent guy. Minus a poor ’07…if you go back to ’02 he’s hit .282-.293 every year. Walks another 70-90 points…Slugs from 430-530….

    But Luke Scott would be nice. And I still don’t know why Hudson gets so much flak around here…HIs last three years have been pretty dang good!

    Keith

  • Seattlenhl2009

    I searched google “Orlando Hudson, Mariners” and was led to this very good blog. I think the M’s need to do this. I was in Arizona for the last 3 years and watch Orlando play, I also saw him at the Arizona Fall League and I think he is ready to break out as a player. I think he is the best free agent available in terms of upside and its a shock that he is still available. He would be absolutely perfect #2 behind Ichiro and would transform the lineup. I hope the M’s announce Griffey and Hudson on the same day that would be so great, id be going to every home game.

  • Mariners121212

    O-Dog is the man, but I don’t think that signing him would be that good of a move. Unless he signed for like less that 5 Million for 1 or 2 years I don’t think it would be worth moving Lopez to first, and having him complain about it.