Zduriencik Speaks
Former Seattle P-I writer Jon Paul Morosi got some quotes from Jack Zduriencik about the team and what his feelings are on the roster. Here’s the important quotes.
“We’re not in any hurry to do anything,” Zduriencik said earlier this week. “You talk to GMs all the time, just casual conversations. Most of the time, it doesn’t go anywhere. There haven’t been any offers on the table yet.”
“Erik’s been good — really good. I’ve been very happy with Erik Bedard. His stuff’s been really good, really crisp. … I wasn’t here (last year), so I don’t really know anything about that firsthand. He was in an organization (Baltimore) for a long period of time, had to switch, go all the way across the country, and then he wasn’t healthy. Those things worked against him. … But he’s real happy now. He’s got a smile on his face.”
“Right now, my investment is in this season,” he said. “We’re doing everything we can to keep ourselves in this race.”
Nothing overly surprising yet. The M’s aren’t going to publicly pull the plug on the team right as they head into Anaheim for a three game series. But, assuming this weekend doesn’t go perfectly for the M’s, Jack knows that he’ll wake up on Monday with a team that has a less than 10% chance of making the playoffs, and there are some teams out there getting antsy to make a deal for pitching. The first GM to agree to trade a starting pitcher is probably going to be the guy who wins this summer. Let’s hope Zduriencik is that guy.
Oh, and one other note on the article. Morosi throws this comment out there:
When the time comes, Seattle will probably look to acquire a young, power-hitting outfielder. Endy Chavez and Wladimir Balentien have formed the least productive left-field platoon in the majors by OPS, so that would be the obvious place to add a big bat.
This incorrect sentiment is echoed by John McGrath in his “blow up the M’s” piece for the News Tribune today, and will be repeated over and over all summer long, I’m sure. The last thing the M’s need to be trading for is an outfielder. As we mentioned this morning, Saunders is knocking on the door down in Triple-A, and the team is extremely likely to be drafting Dustin Ackley in two weeks. Beyond those two, Balentien’s still got some fans in the organization, and the team has outfielders coming out their ears at Double-A and below. It is the position of the most depth in the entire system.
The M’s do not need any more outfielders. They need infielders, specifically 2B/SS/3B, and pitchers. The team has more outfielders than they know what to do with.
So, at least Dr. Z has learned the important skill of lying to beat writers.
Z’s talking up Bedard, trying to explain away last year and the injuries.
If he puts together a good game on Tuesday against his old team, he could be on a plane out of Baltimore to his new team Wednesday afternoon.
Over the offseason, Zduriencik also said he was prepared to hold on to all of his pieces. That Jack sure is a crafty one.
Going to be very interesting to see how things play out.
Well, we knew one of Jack’s strengths was in handling the media.
Heyman discusses Bedard:
[long link, use the tool]
Although he does seem to think the market for him will be dictated by Peavy who is right-handed and wants to stay in the NL.
Following the M’s roster now until the end of the calendar year will be interesting. I can’t think of another team that’ll have so much turnover. It reminds me of what the Portland Trailblazers did a few years ago with their new GM.
What are the chances we can convert Ackley to 2B?
I would link to Jeff’s image of an entire Nats team of outfielders but I cannot find said wonderful image.
We’re practically swimming in a sea of outfielders.
Hey, what was the name of that guy who was in left last year? I wonder what he’s up to.
I know conventional wisdom is that Erik Bedard has not been happy in Seattle and will not want to re-sign with the Mariners after the season (and/or it would take far too much money to do so) and he’s not going to be a Type A so we won’t get the kickback.
I figure the Zduriencik comments probably don’t change that at all?
Probably very very low.
Bummer, I had just read something from Gammons about that.
It’s certainly an interesting idea. I just doubt he’ll be able to adjust.
Interesting that the S.I. guy thinks that the M’s will get a better deal for Bedard then what the Padres got for the potential Peavy deal that fell through.
I wonder if Kenny Williams would be so desperate to send Gordon Beckam and Poreda for lets say Bedard and Balentin?
We should seriously think how we can get Beckam.
The image Taylor mentioned:
http://www.lookoutlanding.com/2009/2/11/756438/outfielders-part-of-a-comp
Scroll down to Jeff’s version.
We should seriously think how we can get Beckam.
First, learn how to spell his last name. Then, get over it. You’re not getting him.
That’s okay, he can’t spell Balentien either so that makes it a fair trade.
Do you mean this Beckham?
beckham wasn’t signed last year till august. you can’t trade a draft pick for one “full” calendar year. end of beckham rumour/idea.
What are the chances we can convert Ackley to 2B?
Why on Earth do you want to convert a guy to a position half a win less valuable?
Because! Chase Utley! Gammons said he could be another Chase Utley! And you can’t have Chase Utley be anywhere but second base! My God man! These are the logics!
Because the Mariners desperately need middle infielders and don’t desperately need outfielders. It’s not like his bat won’t play anywhere. I’m not in favor of trying to convert him, but that’s the rationale.
Philly is dying for pitching, seems like that would be a good place to for Washburn/Bedard. Assuming that the M’s look to unload are there potential Philly players/prospects that fit?
Philly is dying for pitching, seems like that would be a good place to for Washburn/Bedard. Assuming that the M’s look to unload are there potential Philly players/prospects that fit?
Did McGrath seriously just “envision” the Ms trading Bedard, Beltre, and Branyan for three OFs?
Classic. He must have Jim Bowden on his speed-dial.
While that’s true as far as it goes, it doesn’t go very far. Baltimore’s LF platoon is barely better by OPS, and is worse when you consider wOBA (which incorporates fielding). In fact, by wOBA the Tigers and White Sox platoons aren’t much better.
Which is not to say that there isn’t room for improvement, but of course the system is almost overflowing with options to do that. If you’re going to spend pieces/FA dollars, LF is not the place to do it.
Is it possible to get Bedard to sign a long term contract in conjunction with a trade? This, of course would take free agency off the table and increase his trade value. M’s get more in return. Trade partner gets more security. Bedard get his big contract and gets to establish himself somewhere for the long term immediately.