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If I were the next Mariners' GM
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My name is not on the Mariners' list for their next general manager, but let's face it, most of us believe we could have done a better job than Bill Bavasi did in his five years with the club. We all believe there were things that needed to be done, but weren't. We would have had different perspectives on trades, player movements and lineups.
We all have seen this mess unfold this season and think we know how to turn it around. In a fantasy baseball exercise – although the baseball people are discussing the same issues to be brought up here – this is my Top 10 list if I were the next Mariners' general manager:
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Release Richie Sexson. Not just because he's so unproductive, not because he can't hit in the clutch and not because he seems to have lost his power stroke. It's because he's not a leader. In fact, he doesn't know how to win or how to lead his team in that direction. So he's $15.5 million drag. The club cannot trade him for anything and no club will take a chance on him until after he clears waivers. They're stuck. His release would be addition by subtraction.
Trade Erik Bedard. The guy is a flake and a bit of a fake. He's been here three months and his act is tired. His teammates are tired of him. The media thinks he's a fraud. Worse of all, he's neither a gamer nor a team player. This was Bavasi's biggest mistake. He saw his talent and nice arm, but should have known he has no heart and no leadership ability. We knew that just talking to other writers. You won't give back what you gave up, but you may get a couple guys who can help this team for seasons to come.
Make the transition of Brandon Morrow from reliever to starter now. Whether that means stretching out in the minors or doing up here incrementally, this season is done. Next season is what matters and Morrow needs to be in that rotation in 2009. Start the process.
When Morrow is ready, I would move Jarrod Washburn to the bullpen. More obvious right now is R.A. Dickey's spot.
Have catcher Jeff Clement or Kenji Johjima take some balls at first base. There is still some question whether Clement can handle the position and Johjima is not best at calling games. After that inexplicable three-year contract given to Johjima last month, how can you have two regular catchers? With Sexson gone, first base is wide open.
Get rid of the d
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ead weight, beyond Sexson and Bedard. Since Jose Vidro will trigger a $9 million option for next season if he reaches 400-plus at-bats, slow him down, trade him, whatever. You don't pay that kind of money to a .210 hitter (although they are – and more - this season) and you free up that money for free agency. If someone would take hypochondriac Miguel Batista, fine. No big loss.7. Play the kids. We need to find out if the youngsters can handle the big leagues and these final 3 ½ months are a great testing ground. That means playing Clement. Using Jeremy Reed often in center. When Wladimir Balentien finds his stroke again, bring him back from Tacoma. Bring up Rainiers' first baseman Bryan LaHair (when Sexson goes) to give him a taste of the big time. Work in some Rainiers pitchers such as Ryan Feierabend, Cesar Jimenez and former independent league pitcher Chris Jakubauskas. Rotate them all through.
Put the premium players on the fast track. Challenge them by moving them up in to higher levels. See how they react and how fast they can get here. This is a trend among less fortunate franchises. They're pushing and promoting their best players and many are paying off. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of premium players (after the Bedard trade), but I would move Phillippe Aumont and Michael Pineda from Wisconsin to High Desert. I'd also challenge No. 1 draft choice Josh Fields with a higher level of play. Like Morrow, the 22-year-old Georgia closer could rise to the big leagues in less than a year. In fact, when Morrow slips into the rotation next season, Fields could be the one to take Morrow's spot.
Find guys who know how to win and know how to lead, either by trade or free agency. That's not always the best players, but invariably it's guys with an attitude, even if he's temperamental. There are no in-your-face guys in this clubhouse – and they need them. Carlos Silva will emerge as one of those guys, but not till next season when he feels more comfortable. You need a couple veterans to shake this team up, guys who won't put up with Bedard and Batista. One of those guys – next season – might be Ken Griffey, Jr.
Hold the coaching staff accountable. We have 3 ½ months to see how John McLaren and this impressive collection coaches have an impact. They need to show something they're gone. If there's not leader in the clubhouse, then they need to be. If there's a lackadaisical attitude, they need to change it. If they can't stop the losing, they should lose their jobs.
