M's fun to watch - on and off the field

July 29, 9:55 PMSeattle Sports ExaminerBob Sherwin

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If nothing else, the Mariners sure are a compelling story right now. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what kind of team this is, good, mediocre, contender or pretender.

What this team is is fluid. Players are coming in; players are heading out; and more might follow. The team itself was seemingly closing in on a shot at a playoff run, then they lost four in a row – badly – and they fell out. Then they won the past two games, in exciting fashion. So now what? Where are they? Where are they heading, this year or next?

Fortunately for the Mariners, the man in charge, GM Jack Zduriencik has this club on a positive upward course. What's uncertain is how soon they will reach their destination – the playoffs. He's trying to do it both this year and beyond but realistically I'm not feeling it this season.

This is despite the fact that in the moves Zduriencik has made he's still acting like a buyer. He brought in a shortstop Wednesday, Jack Wilson, and a starter, Ian Snell, who could be up here next month. Over the past few weeks, he also brought in players such as Jack Hannahan, Ryan Langerhans and Chris Shelton. He's trying, although not overextending himself.

He also has been acquiring minor league talent in trades, such as Snell, RHP Robert Manuel (for OF Wladimir Balentien), RHP Dan Cortes and LHP Derrick Saito.

Now the big question is whether this team should now trade Jarrod Washburn over the next 48 hours, under the trading deadline.

Here are some of my thoughts on the Mariners, present and future:

* I think if the Mariners get an knock-me-over offer for Washburn, they should pull the trigger. I have said in the past that they should follow through because I think the Mariners are fringy for an title run and Washburn will not re-sign with the club. I've mellowed on that a bit based on his comment that he would like to stay in Seattle. (maybe it's just posturing). It'll be fascinating to see what Jack will do. I think he's in a position of strength.

* I think we've come to the realization that Erik Bedard is a disaster on so many level. Beyond the fact that ex-GM Bill Bavasi traded away the future to get him and the fact that he's been a bust and a detriment in the clubhouse, he's just injured all the time. He's currently on the DL, which predisposes any chance for the club to trade him. Not that any team wants him. He's not even a 5-inning pitcher. Who would be comfortable for one of those? He's a free agent, which means they would lose him for no compensation. He also won't command the $7 million he's making now, so the Mariners might have a chance to re-sign him. Is he worth bringing back? At the cost it took to get him here, it might behoove the team to make an offer. If I hold my nose, I grudgingly agree.

* I'm absolutely amazed with the news that Adrian Beltre might be back on the active roster within a couple weeks. After his June 30 shoulder surgery, he wasn't supposed to be back until maybe September. That's like acquring a bat for a pennant drive. More importantly, what a defense this team has put together with Beltre, Wilson, Franklin Gutierrez. That's going to make the pitching better and that's going to keep the Mariners within range of the AL West leaders. But the only way they'll catch Texas or the Angels is if those teams encounter unforeseen obstacles such as key injuries or unusually sub-par play.

* For me, this team needs to think about re-upping with Beltre and Russell Branyan and find an avenue for talks to extend Felix Hernandez's contract.

* What to do about Kenji Johjima, Carlos Silva, Mike Sweeney and Miguel Batista? Anyone?

* I didn't put Ken Griffey, Jr. in the above group despite his .215 average. He just brings so much to this clubhouse, making a significant difference in there. He still commands respect from opposing pitchers, as he is getting his share of walks. And he's such a great influence on the younger players. I wrote in an earlier post that he wouldn't or shouldn't be around next year, but I take that back. He plans to play one more season and why not. He should.

* I couldn't be more impressed with a first-year manager than Don Wakamatsu. Or, for that matter, first time general manager Jack Zduriencik. What's up next Jack? I like the ride thus far.