Lazy Weekend: Who Stays and Who Goes? (Part 1)

Don’t be fooled by the recent two game winning streak. The M’s will be sellers. Jack Z has to be licking his chops right now thinking about getting rid of all the overpriced crap he inherited from Bill Bavasi. And if it’s one thing Jack Z knows—it is talent. Unlike Mariner GM’s in the past, Jack Z has always been a baseball man first. The majority of his career has been as a scout. Given the opportunity (by Japanese ownership) Jack Z can put us back into “realistic” contention sooner than people think.

Let’s take a look at the M’s current (1-4) hitters in the lineup:

1. Ichiro (Does Jack Z have the power or balls to trade the selfish all-star?)

Pros: *perennial all-star/face of the franchise
*200 hits and 100 runs scored are a lock
*trade value extremely high
*amazing arm and range in RF
*biggest trade piece on the M’s

Cons:*almost 36 years old
*little to no power
*doesn’t dive for balls in his range/lacks heart
*huge contract
*speed slowing down

Synopsis: Ichiro is an amazing player but trading him would signify trust in the new M’s regime moving forward. Ichiro would merit several top notch players in return. Would Japanese ownership go for it? Probably not but I say pull the trigger. Ichiro is not getting any younger and would be a prize piece to the Mets, Sox, or Yankees jockeying to make a big-splash.

2. Betancourt (Jack Z would love to peddle his portly SS for anything with a pulse in return)

Pros:*can’t really think of any

Cons:*rapidly decreasing range at SS
*erratic arm
*no patience at the dish; rally killer
*doesn’t walk, get on base, or hit for power
*can’t bunt or steal bags

Synopsis: Get what you can in return for Yuni. Do it! Now! I would rather have Mike Morse playing SS than Yuni.

3. Beltre (Jack Z is praying for Beltre to get hot so we can get at least a few decent prospects in return)

Pros:*gritty ball player
*plays injured
*team leader
*outstanding glove

Cons:*victim of steroid deflation
*free swinger/no patience at the dish
*lacks power
*extremely “un-clutch”
*suspect mentally

Synopsis: I love Beltre but unfortunately he has never lived up to his contract. He has done nothing memorable for the M’s except disappoint us when we needed him to hit. Finding a trading partner that will give us anything useful in return may prove difficult if Beltre continues to hit .215 through June with no power. Trade him and hope to get decent AA prospect or two in return.

4. Griffey (Has been instrumental in the re-birth of the M’s cohesiveness and clubhouse atmosphere)

Pros:*Hall of Famer
*Best Mariner of all-time
*Never cheated the game of baseball

Cons: Nice try

Synopsis: Griffey is a sure handed HOF that will go down his history as one of the best players to ever wear a uniform. And Jr. goes in as a SEATTLE MARINER!!!! Nuff said!! M’s will need Jr.’s leadership and presence when the wheels start coming off the bus. Keep him!