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Mariners Offseaon Transactions
The Mariners have made many significant
roster moves this past off-season, completely reversing the makeup
of the team from a home run hitting powerhouse with no relief
pitching, to a team with good hitting as well as a stacked starting
rotation and good bullpen. These moves all began with the Mariners
hiring new G.M. Pat Gillick, as well as the ownership of the
Mariners increasing the team's payroll some 30%.
With no delay Gillick went right to work. First
thing was to fill the hole at first base created by the departure
of David Segui to the Toronto Blue Jays. Gillick didn't have
to look far, hometown boy John Oleurd had just completed his
contract with the New York Mets, Gillick easily lured Oleurd
back to the Pacific Northwest and a brand new Safeco field. Oleurd
signed a three-year deal to keep him with the M's through 2002.
Jerimie's
Poll: March '00 |
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How Will the
Mariners Offseason Moves Affect This Years Play?
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Pat Gillick then went after two
battle tested free agent veterans. He signed Mark McLemore, formerly
of the Texas Rangers, to fill a very important leadoff position,
which hasn't been filled properly since the departure of Joey
Cora. He then went after former San Francisco Giants left fielder
Stan Javier, who will also play an important role in a much thinner
Mariners outfield. McLemore and Javier are both signed through
the 2000 season.
Next Gillick went after the Japanese career
leader in saves Kazuhiro Sasaki. Sasaki tried out for the Devil
Rays, Yankees, and Orioles, before signing with the Mariners.
Sasaki is coming off of off-season shoulder surgery, but should
be ready when the season starts April 4th against Boston.
Then there was Aaron Sele, another hometown boy who was a free
agent, Sele went 18-9 for the Mariners hated rivals the Texas
Rangers. Everyone thought Sele had signed with the Baltimore
Orioles, but after taking a physical the Orioles didn't like
what they saw and decided against acquiring Sele. That's when
Gillick really got to work signing Sele within a day and bringing
him home to Seattle to play with college teammate John Oleurd.
I almost forgot about Ken Griffey Jr., no not
really, the biggest trade in the last 10 years in baseball went
down this off-season. Longtime Mariners centerfielder Ken Griffey
Jr. asked for a trade in November, what? That's right, it's still
hard to imagine Griffey in another team's uniform, but that was
the case. Griffey gave the M's and Gillick a list of teams he
would accept a trade to, but there was also a window of time
the Mariners had to trade him in or he would only accept a trade
to the Cincinnati Reds. The window closed and Griffey said he
would only accept a trade to the Reds. This put Seattle at a
disadvantage, either trade Griffey for less than he's worth or
keep him through the season and watch him sign with the Reds
in free agency with nothing in return. Gillick tried to get both
Cincinnati closer Scott Williamson and All-Star second baseman
Pokey Reese, Cincinnati declined both times. Eventually Cincinnati
cut off trade talks with the Mariners and said they would wait
and go after Griffey in free agency. Eventually Gillick was able
to work out a trade sending Griffey to the Reds for centerfielder
Mike Cameron and starting pitcher Bret Tomko.
There are still many trade rumors flying involving
John Halama, Bret Tomko, Mike Cameron, and a number of bullpen
pitchers. The Mariners are still looking for a left-handed, power
hitting outfielder.
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