INDIANAPOLIS — The market for pitching became a little clearer at the winter meetings Wednesday, although the Seattle Mariners didn’t acquire any.
The American League West got a bit more intriguing. Free agent right-hander Rich Harden signed a one-year, $7.5 million contract but not with Seattle.
Instead, Harden went to the Texas Rangers hours after the Rangers had traded veteran starting pitcher Kevin Millwood to Baltimore.
Harden had issues, including a suspect right shoulder that was a concern to the Mariners, who had interest despite that. Just not enough interest to risk that contract.
“Signings take players off the market, narrows your focus,” Zduriencik said. “There are possibilities for us. If we wanted to do something, we could. We’re weighing some options.”
Everyone wants pitching, and that was as true this winter as any other, though John Lackey may be having his doubts.
The premiere pitcher on the free agent market, Lackey marched forth looking for a six-year, $100 million contract and hasn’t come close to getting it from anyone. Teams with that kind of cash — think Yankees, Red Sox and Angels — are more intrigued by Toronto ace Roy Halladay.
The Blue Jays said Wednesday they expect to leave these winter meetings without trading Halladay.
Teams without that kind of disposable cash — think everyone else — are looking at far cheaper options, both on the free agent market and through trade. It’s why the Mariners have had teams approach them for Brandon Morrow, Mark Lowe, Shawn Kelley and others.
“When you have young, inexpensive talent, a lot of teams are looking for that,” Zduriencik said.
The market for pitching likely has been set by the signing of Harden and Milwaukee’s three-year, $29.75 million deal with left-hander Randy Wolf, which won’t be finalized until he takes and passes a physical next week.
Free agent Ben Sheets, who didn’t pitch at all last season after elbow surgery, is said to be asking for the same $12 million a year deal he had before surgery. That seems extraordinarily optimistic.
Some teams here are in full-on salary dumping modes. The Atlanta Braves owe former Mariner Derek Lowe $45 million over the next three years, and for the first time Wednesday lowered what they want in trade — and admitted they’d be willing to eat some of that salary.
Against that backdrop, teams were dangling pitchers in trade, including Gil Meche (Royals), Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo (Reds), Zach Duke (Pirates) and Brandon McCarthy (Rangers) — this after the Tigers moved Edwin Jackson in a three-team deal with Arizona and New York.
The World Series champion Yankees re-signed left-hander Andy Pettitte for one year at $11.75 million.
The Baltimore Orioles acquired veteran Millwood from Texas for 27-year-old pitcher Chris Ray.
That agreement was made, but on hold until the Orioles could look over the medical records on Millwood, an innings eater who’s about to turn 35 and will be paid $12 million. The Rangers will pay $3 million of that salary.
How tough is it to find and keep quality pitching — or just pitching? The Dodgers may be Exhibit A: They’re talking about re-signing former Mariner right-hander Jeff Weaver.
Which makes this move all the stranger: San Diego has reportedly told starter Kevin Correia, who won 12 games last year and made $750,000, that if he’s not traded in the next few days he will be non-tendered.
Yes, the Mariners are watching.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
