The Mariners are going to jump into the pool of free-agent pitching in a few weeks, and that pool is shallow and filled with sharks.
"It's not just how many teams are looking for pitching, it's who they are," said Issaquah-based agent Jim Lindell, whose clients include impending free agent Adam Eaton of the Texas Rangers. "You look at the contenders this year, and the teams that have fizzled, it's because of starting pitching.
"So the Mets will be in the market, the Yankees may or may not, the Red Sox for sure will be in the market, the Cubs will for sure be in the market, the Mariners, Texas. Right there there's more teams than there are good pitchers out there. And they're all teams with a lot of money."
Outside of Matsuzaka the starting pitching that is going to be on the market frightens me. Zito is going to get at least A.J. Burnett money and has the type of stuff that could decline rapidly. Schmidt is already in his mid-30's, is going to be looking for a 3 or 4 year deal, and is starting to build up an injury history. Mark Mulder has gone in the toilet since his move to the National League, and Doug Davis regressed this season, unable to command the strike zone.
It sounds like Seattle will have to pay a ton of money just to talk to DM and a ton more to sign him. After doing that, will there be any bargains out there?
Umm..well I'd really like to see Seattle fix their number one problem, as much as everyone else. I would like to read somewhere on Seattle's site stating they are talking with Jason Schmidt, Barry Zito, and Jeff Suppan. And yes, we need to fix our pitching staff first and formost, because our offense is a decent offense.
Free-agent waters are choppy for Mariners
Free-agent waters are choppy for Mariners
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