John Morosi of Fox Sports writes, yet again, that the Mariners could still sign LHP Jarrod Washburn.

That sound you’re hearing is indeed NOT me jumping for joy.

At this point, I basically don’t care one way or the other.  I wouldn’t be thrilled with it, but I wouldn’t be upset about it either.  I just want this done and over with, either sign him or don’t.

But to take a more analytical glance at it, let’s compare some of Washburn’s projections to Jason Vargas, who appears to be in the process of sewing up the fifth starter’s job.  CHONE has Washburn managing 5.26 K/9 with 2.96 BB/9, numbers more or less in line with his career as a Mariner.  Vargas shows 5.93 and 2.85, respectively.  Not really a huge difference there.  In fact, CHONE projects their FIP to be the exact same: 4.73.

The major point against Washburn is the looming presence of Erik Bedard.  When Bedard is finally deemed healthy, it will be much easier to move Vargas aside no matter how he’s pitching.  They can slide him into a long role out of the bullpen or shuffle him down to Tacoma to keep starting.  With Washburn, they’d have to convince him to move to the ‘pen, something he’s only done 12 times in his career, or cut him.  If he’s pitching well, that only makes the decision all the harder, at least amongst much of the fanbase.  If Vargas is pitching well, most people will just shrug their shoulders and move on to Bedard.

In the end, if the M’s sign Washburn cheaply, great.  If they don’t, great.  Either he or Vargas can hold down that last spot in the rotation just fine. Just let us move on, please!

Jon adds: I agree with Conor that it would be nice to have a resolution.  This has gone on all winter and we’re getting close to Opening Day.  Let’s know one way or another.

I could be happy either way.  If he retires or signs elsewhere, fine; we have enough arms to mix and match.  If he signs with Seattle, we get someone we can count on a little more than the similar rookie arms Zduriencik has collected so far.

I can understand Seattle’s desire to sign him still.  Bedard is no sure thing to come back, just like Ian Snell is no sure thing to rebound from a rough couple of seasons.  And Ryan Rowland-Smith had elbow trouble last season.  It’s not as if Seattle couldn’t use an extra dependable arm.

If all goes right, then it gets tricky.  Is Washburn willing to take a bullpen assignment?  Dave at USSM has made the case that he’d make a heckuva reliever.  But it can’t be easy to ask a guy that’s been around that long to head to the bullpen.  Even Jamie Moyer took issue when Pedro Martinez bumped him to the bullpen last season in Philadelphia.  But how often does everything go right?

I’m content either way, though I’m probably more receptive to it than I was earlier in the offseason.