It’s been a crazy week for the Mariners, and things reached an apex Wednesday. Here’s the big headlines from Seattle’s exciting day.

Seattle finalizes deal with King Felix

After some minor bumps in the road, the Seattle Mariners have finalized a contract extension with ace pitcher Felix Hernandez.

It was originally reported early last week that the Mariners had agreed to extend Hernandez to a seven-year, $175 million contract extension that would take the place of his remaining two years with the M’s.

But, the two sides reached a hiccup, when it was reported that the Mariners had concern over Hernandez’s pitching elbow.

Despite the bump in the road, both sides were determined to get a deal done, and it has officially been finalized.

As MLB Trade Rumors reported Wednesday, both sides have finalized the new deal. The outline remains the same—making Hernandez the most paid pitcher in MLB history.

The only major changes is that now the deal has a full no trade clause, and if Hernandez misses significant time due to an elbow injury (120-130 days within a season) an eighth year that will pay King Felix $1 million gets tacked on.

In a team released statement, general manager Jack Zduriencik said:

“Felix is committed to this franchise, and to the city of Seattle, and is a key part of what we are building here.

As we take necessary steps to reach the next level as a team, Felix will be a key component. We have had a plan since I arrived in Seattle: to build this organization to play at a championship level on a consistent basis.

As I have said before, when we get to that level we will need, and want a pitcher, and a person, like Felix.”

Shawn Kelley is on his way to New York. (Photo: Getty Images)

Despite the issues, it seemed inevitable that both sides would find some common ground. All-in-all a great move for everyone involved.

Seattle trades Shawn Kelley to New York

Overshadowed by the big Felix news today was that the Seattle Mariners and New York Yankees have completed a trade.

As reported by MLB Trade Rumors, but sides completed a deal in which reliever Shawn Kelley will head to New York in return for prospect Abraham Almonte.

Kelley put up a 3.25 ERA in 44.1 innings last season, but he was incredibly inconsistent. At one point the 28-year-old saw himself back at Triple A, where he pitched 20 innings.

Almonte isn’t a huge prospect, but he has an ability to play all outfield positions—where the M’s lack depth. The 23-year-old owns a .340 OBP and 176 stolen bases in seven minor league seasons.

He’ll most likely start the season at Triple A, and could see time at the MLB level in the case of an injury or cup of coffee.

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After declaring this offseason that it was his goal to keep Felix Hernandez a Mariner for life, Seattle GM Jack Zduriencik seems to have done just that.

As reported by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Seattle Mariners have agreed to sign Felix Hernandez to a new seven-year, $175 million deal.

The deal will replace Hernandez’s previous contract, which had two more years on it. In total, the contract will keep Hernandez a Mariner through the 2019 season.

With an average salary of $25 million a year, Hernandez is set to become the highest paid pitcher in baseball history.

It has been highly speculated at times that—for the right price—Hernandez could be acquired through trade. But after taking over in 2008, Jack-Z has been fairly adamant about holding onto his ace.

Felix Hernandez celebrates his perfect game in 2012.

As long as this deal goes through, it seems that will be the case. In just two more seasons Hernandez will receive his ten-and-five rights, adding a full no-trade clause to his contract.

The right-hander was originally signed as an amateur free agent by the Mariners in 2002. Three years later he’d make his MLB debut as a 19-year-old.

Now 26, Hernandez has been the lone constant in Seattle’s rotation for the last eight seasons.

In that time, he’s gone 98-76 with a 3.22 ERA and 3.10 K/BB, while averaging 203 innings and 186 strikeouts a season. The four-time All-Star won the 2010 Cy Young, while finishing in the top-five in voting in 2009 and 2012.

During the 2012 season, Hernandez pitched a perfect game, the first no-hitter of his career and the first perfect game in Seattle Mariner history.

With Ichiro Suzuki traded during the 2012 offseason, Hernandez has become the new face of the franchise. Days in which he starts are often referred to as Felix Day, and there’s a special section in Safeco dubbed the “King’s Court.”

Hernandez will be 33 years old by the end his new contract. As long as things go well over the next seven seasons, there’s a very real chance he could be in for one more extension at that time.

In theory, both contracts could take him to retirement.

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The Mariners hotstove has been quiet since the acquisition of Raul Ibanez a few weeks ago. But things have heated up this week, with MLB Trade Rumors reporting that the M’s made a legitimate attempt at Arizona Diamondbacks rightfielder Justin Upton.

The trade seemed like a done deal, until Upton invoked his no-trade clause.

This was an interesting development on the part of both teams. Here at NWSB we’re breaking down the trade and taking a look at what this could have meant for both teams involved.

Breaking down the attempted trade

The trade would have been a straight up four-for-one deal. The Mariners would have received Justin Upton, and in return the D-Backs would have gotten Charlie Furbush, Stephen Pryor, prospect Nick Franklin and one of Seattle’s Big Three pitching prospects.

It was later reported by CBS’ Jon Heyman that the fourth player—and Big Three member—would have been Taijuan Walker.

Arizona’s perspective

From Arizona’s perspective, this was a perfect trade. The Diamondbacks have been adamant about getting a shortstop back in return for Upton. Nick Franklin fits that bill, and could be at the Major League level very soon.

The move also helps cure Arizona’s bullpen issue. They would have gotten a stud left-hander in Furbush, and a potential closer candidate in young Pryor.

To top it all off, they get one of the best starting pitching prospects in baseball in Taijuan Walker.

While Arizona has made plenty of attempts to trade Upton, this is the best speculative package they’ve been offered to date. They continue talks with other teams, but they could also be sending a message to Upton that it’s Seattle or no one else.

Seattle’s perspective

It’s not hard to see what Seattle was going for with this deal. They need a young cornerstone offensive player whose proven at the MLB level. Justin Upton fits that bill.

But in terms of what they were willing to sacrifice for that player, it’s just too much.

Losing the two bullpen arms would be manageable, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t be missed. Furbush’s rubber arm was lights out in 2012, and Pryor has the upside to be an elite closer.

The Mariners front office is trying to make some big splashes this offseason. (Photo: Mark Rebilas / US PRESSWIRE

Then there’s the case of the two prospects. Unlike Brendan Ryan, Franklin has the upside to provide proficient offense at shortstop. And while tossing James Paxton into the deal could have made sense, Walker—arguably the best of the Big Three—is too much to lose when combined with the other players involved.

Now, at 25 years old Upton is a young player with incredible upside, but his career has been mired in inconsistencies—especially with his power numbers.

He hit 31 home runs in 2011, but that’s wedged between two seasons of just 17 home runs.

In those same two seasons (2010 and 2012) Upton failed to produce an OPS above .800. His career slugging percentage sits at .475, and he’s only broken .500 twice.

The right fielder plays a solid defense and is under team control until 2015. But with previous roster moves Seattle already has a full outfield of Michael Saunders, Raul Ibanez, Franklin Gutierrez and possibly Casper Wells and/or Mike Carp.

In other words, Upton just isn’t worth it. He has huge upside, but until he can prove he can keep his power consistent, a package such as the one Seattle was offering is far too much. The only way this makes sense is if Seattle thinks its getting 2011 Upton—.898 OPS, 31 home runs, 7.7 UZR.

It’s commendable that the Mariner front office is trying to make a splash, but it’s a very good thing this deal was not made.

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The Hot Stove is heating up in Major League Baseball and the Mariners have been all over the place. With promises of additions this offseason, the front office is working to deliver for the fans.

Here are some players that could end up in Seattle and how they would fit on the team. This list includes some ideas that will probably have changed by press time, and is ignoring the Jason Bay deal to Seattle that has happened according to all the fine folks covering the M’s.

Also, Josh Hamilton and Billy Butler have been tossed around so often on this site, this list will look elsewhere for talent (in no particular order).

1. Michael Bourn

This idea really surprised me upon hearing rumors and the initial reaction from M’s fans was probably the same.

Don’t we need a power bat?

Free Agent Michael Bournhas been one of the most consistent outfielders in the game and has stolen over 40 bases a year since 2008. He is a career .272 hitter and is 29 years old.

Will Michael Bourn be one of the big names heading to Seattle during the offseason?

Although he is three years younger than Chone Figgins was when he signed with Seattle before the 2010 season, the nervousness from fans is fair. Both are players that get on base and steal bags to score runs.

Best-case scenario, Michael Bourn would lead-off and replace Ichiro Suzuki for Seattle. Worst-case, the Figgins ordeal is relived for the entirety of another dreadful contract.

2. Justin Upton

The Diamondbacks’ outfielder is only 25 years old, and was the number one overall pick in 2005, but Arizona is listening to offers to replenish their farm system.

The Mariners have the farm system to bring in a talent like Upton that they currently do not. Coming off a slightly inconsistent season for Arizona, in which he battled nagging injuries, the price tag may give the Mariners a chance.

Upton does have a no-trade clause for certain teams (including Seattle), but meetings between the clubs over the last few days suggest a possible change.

What would it cost? At least a member of the big 3 (probably Taijuan Walker) and top SS prospect Nick Franklin.

Two years ago, the Diamondbacks offered Justin Upton straight up for SP Michael Pineda and a minor leaguer. The M’s declined, but it might be time to try again.

3. Mark Reynolds

Cannot believe I wrote that name down. Mark fricking Reynolds as a Mariner would absolutely drive fans insane. This man swings and misses more than any player in the majors not named Adam Dunn.

But, when he is hot, there is no one that can lift a team quite like Reynolds can.

His strikeout numbers are unlike anything Seattle fans have ever seen, but his power numbers are unlike anything the Mariners have had since glorious 2001.

Last season, Reynolds had 23 home runs while playing first and third base for the Orioles. Would anyone want him to start every day in Seattle? No.

It’s never too early to forget the Mariners’ last “big” free agent signing.

Would you enjoy watching him hit .778 over his 12-day hot streak? You bet.

Disclaimer: I really hope this doesn’t happen, I just think it is possible.

4. Dee Gordon

The Dodgers SS is the bizarro-Brendan Ryan. His talent at the plate and base paths can change games and would be adequate if the team craved Michael Bourn like speed but did not want to pay Scott Boras type money (Bourn’s agent).

Unfortunately, his defense is atrocious. It is absolutely dreadful, especially compared to Ryan’s defense since his arrival in Seattle.

Gordon, who was once a prime prospect, may not be as expensive now that he has tried and failed in the majors to maintain plate appearances. Perhaps a change of scenery would do him good.

5. Jason Kubel

Not as exciting as some of the other names, but Kubel has hit in great hitting parks (Chase Field in Arizona) and in bad parks (Target Field in Minnesota). His slugging numbers did improve upon his arrival to Arizona, but his OBP has hovered around .330 since 2007.

Being on base is something the Mariners desperately need. If Upton winds up falling through, Kubel could fit in nicely as an OF, 1B or DH for the club.

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With a deep farm system, sturdy ace and offensive building blocks the Seattle Mariners are on the fringe of becoming relevant in the American League once more.

But first they have some holes to fill.

That’s where this crop of free agents come in. It’s not particularly deep, but there’s plenty of established players that could have a huge impact on the future of the M’s.

Anibal Sanchez – SP

2012 stats: 9-13, 3.86 ERA, 195.2 IP, 1.267 WHIP, 7.7 K/9

With a young rotation, and plenty of spots up for grabs, Anibal Sanchez makes perfect sense for Seattle. I personally believe he should be highest on the Mariner’s free agent wish list.

Sanchez is constantly underrated, and yet he continues to put up stellar numbers.

The 28-year old is the epitome of workhorse, pitching more than 190 innings three seasons in a row. As he enters his prime he’s developed stellar control, posting K/BB ratios above 3.00 over the last two seasons.

Sanchez could instantly shore up Seattle’s rotation. (Photo: AP)

He’s even proven he can handle the American League, pitching better for Detroit than Miami after his mid-season trade.

Sanchez could come with a steep asking price, but is well worth the money. His numbers would be well suited in Safeco, and he would make a great No.2 starter behind Felix Hernandez.

Sanchez would also give Seattle the flexibility to shop one of their young pitching prospects, while allowing the Mariners to feel less rushed in their development.

Mike Napoli – C/1B/DH

2012 stats: .227/.343/.469, 53 runs, 24 HR, 56 RBI

The Mariners have an obvious void to fill at first base, and need some new power in their lineup. With a thin free agent class, their best bet could be a bargain on Mike Napoli.

The M’s know Napoli well, as he’s spent his entire career between the Angels and Rangers.

The 31-year old has one of the most consistent power bats in the AL, posting 20 or more home runs five seasons running. Even amidst fluctuating on base percentages, Napoli has scored 284 runs over those same five season.

A first/catcher/DH rotation of Napoli, Jesus Montero and John Jaso would keep a constant power presence in the lineup, while keeping all three players well rested—which is vital to Montero’s long term success.

While he’s not the best power bat on the market, his consistent power numbers is exactly what Seattle needs.

B.J. Upton – OF

2012 stats: .246/.298/.454, 79 runs, 28 HR, 78 RBI, 31 SB

There’s been plenty of speculation about the Mariners and Josh Hamilton. But honestly I just don’t see it happening. The asking price would set Seattle back, and the team doesn’t necessarily have the best luck when it comes to injury prone outfielders.

The 28-year old Upton hits free agency entering his prime years, and features the best combination of power and speed on the market.

Over his last two seasons, Upton has dual seasons with 20 plus home runs, 40 plus steals and a .750 plus OPS.

Not to mention his solid defense. Upton has the ability and range to play all three outfield spots, though he’s played most of his career in center.

Upton would have a twin-fold effect on the M’s. His defensive skills and flexibility would give the Mariners one of the best defensive outfields in baseball. Offensively, he would finally fill Seattle’s void at leadoff while providing some vital speed in the lineup.

Though Josh Hamilton seems like the more sexy pick, B.J. Upton is the way Seattle should go.

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Speculation and rumor concerning Kansas City 1B/DH Billy Butler began earlier this week, but nothing has advanced the story from the Seattle Mariners.

As a true M’s fan, I promised myself I would not write anything negative about the Mariners once Chone Figgins was finally gone.

Either the end of his contract or the releasing of the 3B/LF/2B would be all the Thanksgiving I could ever want. Thank you Jack Zduriencik.

OK, the grace period is over. Let’s get to work on this deal Mariners.

The Plus side

Butler is coming off his best statistical season for a Royals team that had as good of a shot at the postseason as the M’s (not much).

Butler is a career .300 hitter, who has always been known more for his doubles than home runs, put an extra drive into those doubles and finished with 29 home runs.

3 weeks into the 2013 season, Butler will turn 27. He is not a rookie, but not too old for a new contract with Seattle.

His 6 seasons in the majors and sustained success at the plate would be a fantastic addition to a young Mariners squad.

Imagine John Jaso on steroids. Wait-don’t do that. But Butler could be the leader in the clubhouse and in the batter’s box the M’s desperately need.

Here is the problem, what do the M’s give up to get him.

Could Billy Butler be the M’s new 1B? (Photo: Yahoo)

Possible trade bait

Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times wrote an article on this very trade, but his solution drove me insane.

His suggestion was to trade one of the big three (Danny Hultzen, James Paxton, or Taijuan Walker) and either C/DH Jesus Montero or SS Nick Franklin.

This two-for-one deal would not only be trading away too much value, but would hurt the future of the franchise in the way the Adam Jones for Erik Bedard deal pushed the team back a few years.

This trade needs to come from a position of strength in exchange for a position of weakness.

Yes, one of the big three will have to be traded (money is on Paxton, who is the most Major League ready), but that second player cannot be one of our best hitting prospects.

Franklin is one of the best infielders in the minors already, and his development is just beginning.

Montero has only had one full season in the big leagues. The team and the fans need to see him acclimated to the 162-game grind and the new fences in left field!

Butler would be the best 1B the Mariners have had since Russell Branyan, and that is not saying very much. His defense is not spectacular, but is completely adequate and makes up for it with his bat.

I am tired of Justin Smoak and Mike Carp, but maybe the Royals would take a chance on one of them while Eric Hosmer continues to progress for them.

My suggestion: Trade SP James Paxton, Jason Vargas, and Smoak for Butler.

I know Vargas is a good pitcher, and his progress over the last three years has been great for Seattle, but we have pitching that can fill his space.

He will be missed, at least until Butler hits his first home run at Safeco.

What would you give up for Bulter?

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With a king, July’s pitcher of the month, and a big three on the way, what do the M’s do this offseason with starting pitching?

Safeco Field has always been a playpen of sorts for pitchers on both the home and away team. Even with the walls moving in next summer, the sea-level pitching staff should still excel at home.

So, how will the staff grow this offseason and solidify a 5-man rotation come Spring Training?

Below is my projected rotation from top to bottom. Amazingly enough, the Mariners may be one of the rare teams this offseason that won’t flirt with free agent pitchers. Aside from Kevin Millwood, the M’s will bring back everyone else in the rotation unless a trade is made.

With this group there is a distinct possibility a transaction could take place this winter.

1. Felix Hernandez

Unless the Mariners really want to upset a bunch of yellow-dressed maniacs, expect the King back on the hill come opening day. A

No doubt this guy will be back in 2013.

week into next season, Felix will turn a ridiculous 27-years-old and will be under contract through 2014.

His stability and Cy-Young caliber seasons make his one of the game’s best pitchers.

2. Jason Vargas

Coming off his best season with the Mariners, Vargas has become a much more consistent second option in Seattle. This pick may be boring, but someone with a sub-4 ERA (3.85), 217.1 innings and three straight seasons of increased strikeouts (141 last year) is well deserving of the second rotation spot.

July’s pitcher of the month needs to continue his 2012 trend of avoiding the bad stretch mid-season. If he can do that, Vargas’ number will continue to improve.

3. Hisashi Iwakuma

As a starter, Iwakuma was 8-4 in 16 starts with a 2.65 ERA and 78 KO’s and a WHIP just above 1.20. Over a full season, those are ace-type numbers. The Mariners locked up the 31-year-old Japanese pitcher for two more years (and a team option for a third).

His finish to 2012 should excite Mariners fans for 2013.

4. Erasmo Ramirez

Now, this is where the conversation gets fun, with anywhere between three and seven pitchers vying for the next three spots. Somewhere in the middle of it all, Ramirez will solidify his spot this winter.

The 22-year-old showed promise beyond any Mariners fan’s expectations, which is probably the reason we don’t make front office decisions. In a season where everyone expected Danny Hultzen or James Paxton, the Nicaraguan emerged as a quality starter and someone to be excited about.

On June 25, Ramirez threw a complete game, giving up one earned run and recorded 10 strikeouts. That is quite the line when saddled with a loss, Felix-style. Ramirez faced some injury concerns in 2012, but if healthy next season he will be in the rotation.

5. Blake Beavan

That Cliff Lee really seemed like a great idea at the time, passing on the better offer from the Yankees to receive 1B Justin Smoak and Beavan from the Texas Rangers.

This pick for the fifth rotation spot comes with zero confidence or desire to see the big three begin the year in the minors again, but Beavan’s strong start will grant him one more opportunity in the big leagues.

How long until these two are cracking the rotation? (Photo: AP).

Waiting in the wings

That big three consist of Hultzen, Paxton, and Taijuan Walker. They are called the big three because they are highly touted by

Scouts across the league and tore apart minor league hitting.

The main reason that a trade will happen from the starting pitching will be less because of a need and more because of the progression of these three pitchers. If they are ready, they’ll move up.

Hopefully, Seattle gets to keep its King.

Players to keep an eye on

Perhaps the worst pitcher in baseball last season, Hector Noesi cannot get much worse.

There is almost zero chance Noesi starts the season in the rotation unless it is with Tacoma, perhaps the bullpen will do him well.

Charlie Furbush was originally in the plans as a starting pitcher, but last season he really excelled in relief. The Mariners will clearly define his role this offseason rather than leave him in ambiguity again. He’ll probably be a set-up man for Tom Wilhelmsen, but he is a dark horse to return to starting games if everybody gets traded.

Four months until pitchers and catchers report!

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The Mariners’ offseason has been abuzz this week. First they extended starter Hisashi Iwakuma, and then they resigned reliever Oliver Perez.

Now it’s being reported by CBS’ Jon Heyman that Seattle is in play for the services of slugger Josh Hamilton. Hamilton is arguably the best bat on the free agent market.

This is another aggressive move by the Mariners to try and acquire a franchise bat. Many will remember that the M’s were in on Prince Fielder last winter, but ultimately lost his services to the Detroit Tigers.

While Seattle has some teams to compete with, the move could pay huge dividends. Not since the days of Ken Griffey Jr. has such a high profile outfielder played for Seattle.

Hamilton is coming off a stellar 2012, where he hit a career high 43 home runs on the way to posting a .930 OPS.

If signed to the Mariners, chances are the left-hander would move to left field.

He’s been much better there in his career, and it would give him less chances of injury.

Just like Griffey, Hamilton’s stellar career has been mired in injuries. His 148 games in 2012 was the most he’s played in four years. Before that he was averaging 114 games a season since 2009. His career high is 156 in 2008.

But in this case, the rewards are often times worth the risk.

The Mariners are one of several surprising suitors for Josh Hamilton. (Photo: AP)

Hamilton is a career .300/.363/.549 hitter with 161 home runs and 553 RBI across six Major League seasons.

At 31 years old, he already has one MVP award and two World Series appearances. His 16.8 WAR over the last three seasons is eighth in the Majors—higher than fellow sluggers Albert Pujols and Adrian Gonzalez.

And unlike Fielder, Seattle could have a fairly strong chance of landing Hamilton.

With Safeco’s dimensions changing, the park should no longer be as frightening to free agent hitters. It’s also speculated that Hamilton’s other big suitors are the Baltimore Orioles and Milwaukee Brewers.

As long as Texas doesn’t jump back in the running, Seattle can easily outbid both teams.

In terms of liking or disliking this move, I’m split down the middle.

On one hand, Hamilton doesn’t have the best history or cleanest bill of health. It’s a risk giving someone like him a bunch of money over a bunch of years. On the other hand, he’s a franchise player who could instantly shore up that lineup.

Either way, with the rotation the way it is this move doesn’t make Seattle instant contenders. But it gets them a heck of a lot closer.

So for now, just sit back and enjoy the constant speculation.

Just keep in mind, Hamilton’s thought to be seeking a seven-year deal worth roughly $175 million.

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The Seattle Mariners announced late Friday night that they have extended starting pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma on a two-year deal worth at least $14 million.

It’s being reported that he’ll get $6.5 million in both 2013 and 2014, with a $1 million buyout attached to a $7 million option for 2015.

2012 was Iwakuma’s first year in the Major League’s, after signing over from Japan on a one-year $1.5 million deal last offseason.

The right-hander proved highly valuable last season, pitching 14 games of relief as well as starting 16 games. It was exactly the kind of flexible arm Seattle needed.

Hisashi Iwakuma returns to the Mariners for at least another two years.

As a reliever, Iwakuma pitched 30.1 innings with a 4.75 ERA and 1.418 WHIP. He finished six games for the M’s, while collecting two saves.

The 31-year old was much more valuable as a starter. In 16 starts he went 8-4, posting a 2.65 ERA, 2.79 K/BB and 1.232 WHIP in 95 innings.

Iwakuma’s biggest issue as a starter was that of many Japanese imports: innings. He averaged less than five innings per start, and only pitched more than six innings on five occasions—which were all games that he won.

The extension of Iwakuma shows Seattle’s dedication to not just youth, but stabilization.

The 2012 Mariners swapped through seven different starters. The hardest thing for manager Eric Wedge seemed to be finding a 4-5 duo he trusted. But once Iwakuma entered the rotation, his consistency kept him in.

Now they can enter 2012 with at least three returning starters at the top of that rotation—Felix Hernandez, Jason Varagas and now Hisashi Iwakuma. With any luck, Iwakuma can get his innings above the 180 mark, making the top of the rotation pretty solid.

All-in-all, I like this move. It gives the M’s someone to slot into the 3/4 spot in the rotation. He’s young enough that they don’t have to be worried about injuries, but old enough that he brings a veteran presence to the mound.

For those of you worried about the future, don’t forget his 2015 option. If all three of Seattle’s prospective aces make it up in the next two years, they can buy out Iwakuma and open a slot in the rotation.

It’s not a huge move, but a good start to building towards 2013.

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The question is: With young outfielders everywhere, what should the Seattle Mariners do this offseason to solidify 7, 8 & 9?

The heart of the matter in Seattle is that the Mariners need more production from their bats. With the strength of Jack Zduriencik’s draft classes in the infield, mainly 2B Dustin Ackley, 3B Kyle Seager, and eventually SS Nick Franklin and C Mike Zunino, the M’s have looked elsewhere for the outfield.

Perhaps it is time to dip into the well one more time.

Even though CF Franklin Gutierrez has a Gold Glove in his living room, the only safe assumption for Seattle’s 2013 OF is on CF/LF Michael Saunders, who’s career year left him one HR shy of a 20/20 season and a spot in the lineup.

With Guti’s injury plagued legs, stomach, and arms, it is uncertain what the Mariners will do. Signed through 2014, Guti’s inability to play consistently has hurt the team’s ability to bring in a new player full time, or promote from within with confidence. Don’t be surprised if the “Death to Flying Things” is involved in a trade this offseason and Saunders assumes the CF role.

Is Josh Hamilton worth pursuing?

There are quite a few intriguing sides to this idea. The first, and perhaps most rational, is that Hamilton would not sign with a Mariners team that is a year or two short of a postseason run (Best case scenario). While Hamilton’s Texas Rangers were one out away from being World Series Champs as recently as last October.

The second and more fun option is the revenge factor. Nolan Ryan, the Ranger’s president, had strong words about Hamilton this season during slumps. The team’s lack of desire to re-sign the former MVP frustrated the outfielder; maybe the opportunity to stay in the division and hurt the team that slighted him would be a selling point.

Also, Seattle may be a good place for the recovering addict, not exactly known for it’s lavish beaches and party scenes; Seattle could be a soft and smart place to land.

Eric Thames only played in 40 games for the M’s in 2013 after a midseason trade from Toronto, but he made his presence felt.

If the price tag is upward of $100 million over 4 years, I suspect the Mariners will pass, but at the same time, a bat like his in the lineup could help young players like Jesus Montero see better pitches behind him, therefore affecting the team in a $25 million/year kind of way.

Players in the Clubhouse

RF Eric Thames only played in 40 games (the same number as Guti) for the M’s in 2013 after a midseason trade from Toronto, but he made his presence felt.

Despite a .220 batting average, Thames showed some pop with a .439 slugging percentage and had a few clutch hits, including the game-winning RBI on August 22 over the Indians for the team’s eighth straight win.

The Mariners made a fantastic run post All-Star break, boasting a 25-13 record, tops in the AL, and Thames played a key role in that stretch. After spot starting most of his career in Toronto, maybe an opportunity to start everyday will help develop the 25-year-old.

Thames is the leader for the RF position going into Spring Training.

Assuming manager Eric Wedge will never, ever play Chone Figgins again in LF, the M’s still have plenty of options. From Mike Carp, Casper Wells, Trayvon Robinson, or the giant Carlos Peguero, the Mariners have some decisions to make.

After reading that list of possibilities, most Mariners fans began reconsidering the massive contract for Hamilton. Maybe that isn’t such a bad idea.

As of now, the edge is with Wells or Robinson, both of whom showed signs of becoming quality everyday ball players, but neither of them took the opportunities and ran away with them.

This season may be both players’ last opportunities in Seattle, let’s hope one of these players progresses immensely during the offseason.

Prediction:

Thames in RF, Michael Saunders in CF, and Robinson playing the majority of the time in LF.

If Hamilton can help the Mariners avoid a platoon situation in the OF again, I am all for it.

What do you think?

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