M’s give much for Bedard

Five guys, including a shining young star in the organization plus a great setup man for Erik Bedard.

That’s what the Mariners did this week to get Bedard, who instantly became No. 1 in the team’s starting rotation.

I’ve already heard the howls that Bill Bavasi gave up too much, but in this case, I think he did exactly the right thing for what this team needs. The M’s were close to contending last season before a disastrous September. That disaster happened because the relievers broke under an excessive workload brought on because the starters couldn’t get past the sixth inning.

Now look at the starters: Bedard, Felix Hernandez, Miguel Batista, Carlos Silva and Jarrod Washburn.

I like that lineup. A lot. Might be the best in the majors. To get this quality on the mound, Bavasi shffled Adam Jones, a promising outfield prospect who would have started in right field, relief pitcher George Sherrill and minor league pitchers Chris Tillman, Kam Mickolio and Tony Butler.

I make that trade again. The Angels upgraded significantly. The M’s had to as well. Bavasi sees how close this team is to breaking through. Suddenly, this summer just became very, very interesting.