Mariners Mini Morsels: January 22

 

The good news is that Tanaka did not end up in the AL West. The bad news is he’s still in the AL. Okay Jack Z it’s your move, don’t screw it up! Just say no to Cruz.

– maqman

 

In other news: Nintendo warned on Friday that it now expects its third successive year of operating losses after previously forecasting a profit of 100 billion yen ($960 million) for the year to end-March, promised changes.

“It’s right to question whether Nintendo should continue to use the same model of selling a console for 20,000 yen to 30,000 yen and games for several thousand yen each, and so if you ask if we are thinking about a new business structure, the answer is ‘yes’,” CEO Satoru Iwata told reporters in Osaka on Friday.

Might the company consider selling a non-core asset such as the controlling equity in a baseball club with no debt and $115 income a year from its regional TV network alone, which it also owns the controlling interest in?

– maqman
 

AL West Commentary

 

Jon Daniels on possible Ron Washington extension: “He’s been a huge part of what we’ve done here. I expect that to continue going forward.” From: at 1500 ESPN

 

Jon Daniels says Rangers are looking for pitching depth and have contacted some free-agent pitchers, but not the top-of-the-market arms. From: at 1500 ESPN

 

Mariner’s potential off-season targets

 

Aaron Cook, RHP, free agent — The former Rockies and Red Sox pitcher, one of the fastest workers in baseball, is looking to make a comeback after he was forced to shut down after experiencing a tired arm in late July. Cook is fine now and looking for another chance. He did not pitch in the majors last season, making eight starts with Triple A Colorado Springs. Source: Nick Cafardo at the Boston Globe

 

Vernon Wells, OF, free agent — It’ll be interesting to see whether Wells elects to retire and collect $21 million or hook on with another team after his release by the Yankees. One American League special assistant said, “It’s a no-brainer if you need a righthanded bat. He still hits lefties well [.269 last season], can play the outfield, not like he used to, but he’s basically a minimum-salary guy for any team since the Angels are still paying most of the freight.” The Phillies have expressed some interest, but a few teams are beginning to consider a look-see for the 35-year-old former All-Star. Source: Nick Cafardo at the Boston Globe

 

Price for Tanaka-Bidding teams is for at least 6 or 7 years. Price will be at or above $20 million a year. From: at CBS Chicago

 

By The Numbers

 

The New York Yankees have led the majors in wins from 2009-13 with 475, an average of 95 per season. They are followed by Texas with 457, Atlanta 456, and Tampa 453. From: The Bill Chuck Files

 

Alumni News

 

After attending his tryout last week, Twins haven’t shown additional interest in Chone Figgins. Other teams have. He does have camp offers. From: at 1500 ESPN

 

The Atlanta haven’t had any recent discussions with free agent lefty Eric O’Flaherty.  at the Atlanta Journal Constitution

 

Adding to the organizational depth at catcher heading into February, the Dodgers have signed free agent backstops Miguel Olivo and Griff Erickson to minor league contracts with invites to big league camp at Spring Training this year. Olivo, 35, spent 2013 with his sixth major-league team, Miami, posting a .250 OBP and .392 slugging in 80 plate appearances, slightly below his career numbers of .275 and .417 in nearly 4,000 plate appearances. From: at the Los Angeles Dodgers

 

Chat Review – at

 

Comment From Fred: Jason Hammel likely in a big-league Opening Day rotation? Most likely landing spot(s)?

Steve Adams: I think he should be. I don’t see why a team like the Astros or another non-contender with thin pitching depth wouldn’t take a shot on a one-year deal. I pegged him as a 2014 version of Scott Feldman at the beginning of the offseason.

 

Comment From Jack Z: What more moves am I making to make sure the Cano contract is not a waste?

Steve Adams: I think they need to add another bat at the very least, but even if they don’t there’s still nine years of the Cano deal left. If they really load up next offseason, he’ll still be in his prime heading into 2015. I think they’ll end up with Cruz or Morales though and maybe a closer. Probably not enough to compete, honestly.

 

Comment From Frank: I see Balfour might be deciding this week, but only see the Nats as a suitor. Any word on the Yanks making an offer?

Steve Adams: They’ve shown interest but no reports indicating they’ve made an offer. I expect that the Mariners and Yankees are in those talks as well though.

 

Comment From Fernando Rodney: Who do I sign with?  Steve Adams: Picking the Mariners at this point.

 

Comment From Michael: Where does Kendrys wind up? Doesn’t seem like he has any fits

Steve Adams: Seattle, Baltimore and Texas are the best spots for him in my mind (with Texas trading Moreland somewhere like Pittsburgh). I don’t think Boras can convince an NL team he’s a full-time first baseman, and a team like the Twins shouldn’t punt their second-rounder for Morales.

 

Comment From Big John: Chances the Mariners enter Spring Training with three 2B and four 1B/OF?

Steve Adams: I feel like a trade has to be in the works.

 

Comment From danny: Syndergaard or Walker?

Steve Adams: I’d take Walker I suppose but I’m not a prospect guru. Both have high ceilings and rave reviews

 

Comment From JCM: Biggest free agent bust, or current free agent who will be?

Steve Adams: I wouldn’t go near Nelson Cruz, personally. Decent hitter but entering his decline years, no defensive value, middling OBP skills

 

Comment From Yankee Fan: Mariners: Over/under 85 wins in 2014.

Steve Adams: Under