Sunday July 20, 2008

The Seattle Mariners announced that Lefty Erik Bedard was unable to throw during the recent all-star break because of lingering pain in his shoulder.  This will come as bad news for some Mariner fans as he will not be available to pitch before the July 31st trade deadline.  Bedard may be able to pitch again in early August.  This could be a blessing in disguise for Seattle as it may be in the teams best interests to keep Bedard.  I think the plan all along was to keep Bedard, but the team “might” have changed their minds if someone jumped in with a desperate deadline deal.  Lets face it, if Seattle traded Bedard, they head into 2009 with the same problem as 2008, the need of a solid 1 or 2 starter to compliment Felix Hernandez.  By keeping Bedard in 2009, it gives them a few options:

A) A “chance” to contend in 09′

B) One more year to get prized prospect Phillipe Aumont ready.

C) If Bedard walks after 2009, The M’s recieve two late first round choices as compensation.

D) A chance to trade Bedard in 2009 with a greater value then he currently holds.

E) A chance to obtain positonal players of need in free agency over pitching.

Ultimately the chioce as to what to do with Bedard will be up to the next general manager.  Just don’t screw it up, it could cost you your job.  Ask Bill Bavasi.

Mariners Blog