Aaron Heilman won’t be pitching the Seattle Mariners in 2009 as he has been traded to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Garrett Olson and Ronny Cedeno. Olson was just acquired by the Cubs when they sent Felix Pie to the Balitmore Orioles. Olson is a pitcher that can throw out of the pen as well as make starts. Cedeno is a middle infielder but can also play a little third base if needed.

Heilman was never really in the Mariners plans when they got him the J.J. Putz trade. Getting two quality players for him works out very good for the Mariners. Expect Cedeno to really push Bentancourt and I expect both of them to have pretty good seasons.

Good trade for the Mariners!

The Seattle Mariners took part in a three team trade late Wednesday night as they finally did something at the Winter meetings. In the first trade by new Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik, he sent J.J. Putz, Sean Green, and Jeremy Reed to the Mets and also sent Luis Valbuena to the Indians. In return, the Mariners will be getting Franklin Gutierrez from the Indians, and right-handed pitchers Aaron Heilman and Maikel Cleto, left-handed-hitting first baseman Mike Carp, left-handed pitcher Jason Vargas and outfielders Endy Chavez and Ezequiel Carrera from the Mets.

Heilman, Carp, Chavez and Gutierrez could prove immediate help for the Mariners.

I like this trade for the M’s as they stock pile some young talent and also get Heilman who can be a decent starter for the team. The key to this trade for getting Gutierrez from the Indians as he is a speedy center fielder and a hell of a player.

What do you think of the deal Mariners fans?

Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners have hired Don Wakamatsu as their next manger. Wakamatsu was a coach for the Oakland Athletics last year and is very familar with the Western Division. He also spent four seasons as the bench coach for Buck Showalter down in Arlington.

Wakamatsu is the first Asian-American manager in Major League history, and he’s the first significant hire in the new era of general manager Jack Zduriencik. “I welcome the challenge here to bring a world championship to Seattle and the fans of the Seattle Mariners,” said Wakamatsu, after being introduced by a giddy Zduriencik and holding up his new jersey with the No. 16.

Wakamatsu said that communication and leadership will be key and he hopes that it carries over to the team.

Time will tell if this was a good hire for the Mariners, but what does everyone thing? Leave us a comment and let us know your opinion if you want.

The Seattle Mariners and Balimore Orioles have finally completed the Erik Bedard trade that has been rumored for the past month.  Bedard will now be the #2 pitcher behind Felix Hernandez in the Mariners pitching rotation.  Great 1-2 punch for the Mariners!

Adam Jones, George Sherrill, Chris Tillman, Kam Mickolio and Tony Butler are all heading the to the Orioles.  Mariners are giving up a lot, but it could be worth it in the long run.  That is if they can sign Bedard to a long term contract.

What do you think Mariners Fans?  Do you like the trade?

The Seattle Mariners and Brad Wilkerson have agreed on a one year contract that will pay Wilkerson around $3 million dollars.  The deal could possibly be worth $5 million if he reaches all of the incentives that are included in the deal.  Look for him to fill into the right field position but not have much value hitting in Safeco.

Do you like the signing Mariners Fans?  Leave us a comment and let us know your opinions!

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