My gut tells me the Mariners will trade Jarrod Washburn. Then again, my gut has been a little testy with me ever since that spicey chicken sandwich for lunch.
Based on some conversations with scouts and others the past few days, I wouldn’t be surprised if Washburn is traded, along with a prospect or two — say, catcher Jeff Clement. I’ve heard pitcher Brandon Morrow mentioned but I have a hard time seeing that given the thin state of the starting pitching in the Mariners’ organization (regardless how a lot of people feel about Morrow). The key is what the Mariners are offered in return.
But it also wouldn’t shock me if the Mariners keep Washburn. If the return doesn’t meet the Mariners’ primary goal to build for now and the future — and no, I’m not sure J.J. Hardy fits that objective — Zduriencik just as easily may decide that keeping Washburn and re-signing him for at least another year is best for the organization.
General manager Jack Zduriencik said today that he’s not conceding anything in this division, and that the Mariners could win their next four games and the trade picture could be altered. But Zduriencik also isn ‘t going to sit on the right deal if it comes along, say, tonight.
One thing seems clear: The organization is debating the merits of trading vs. keeping Washburn, all based on whether the Mariners can make themselves a better team now and in years to come. The M’s also are very aware of the fact that if Washburn is traded, the starting rotation could become a mess behind Felix Hernandez for the remaining two months.
What do the key figures have to say? Here’s what Washburn and Zduriencik told reporters this afternoon:
WASHBURN
Do you expect something to happen in the next few hours?
“I haven’t got a feeling one way or the other. As of right now, I’m prepared to pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays tomorrow for the Seattle Mariners.”
How much communication has there been between you and the Mariners?
“Nothing in the last few days. I’ve talked to Jack a little bit off and on over the last three weeks, but no specifics. It was them saying something might get done, something might not get done, would you be interested in staying _ stuff like that.
It’s just a waiting game now.”
Would you prefer to get a new contract done with the Mariners now?
That would be something I would definitely be open to. I love it in Seattle, my family likes it here in Seattle and I have expressed that it would be something I’d be open to. I don’t think it would be a distraction. If they wanted to go that route, I would definitely be open to listening. I wouldn’t be disappointed to stay a Seattle Mariner.”
What’s the most important factor as you determine where you’ll play next year as a free agent?
“Winning is always the top priority. That’s above everything else. That’s the reason you play the game. Beyond that, my family is always wanting (me) to play close to home. But that being said, my family loves it here in Seattle.”
How is the family taking all this?
“My wife made me cook fish today because I might not be around to cook it later.”
What do your teammates say?
“You still here? That kind of stuff. I don’t think anybody wants me to be traded, and that’s a good feeling. But we all know we don’t control that.”
Is this division out of reach now?
It definitely wasn’t a good weekend, but it’s not insurmountable. There’s over two months of baseball left. The Angels and Rangers are bound to cool off a little bit and go through a stretch like we had these last few days. Hopefully sooner than later. Hopefuly they’ll cool off and well catch them.”
What do you see for this team in the future?
“I’ve definitely seen a step in the right direction. We’ve got a lot of good young guys here, we’ve got great chemistry in the clubhouse, the coaching staff awesome. You can’t ask for anything mor out of them with Wak leading them. It’s a great group of guys to be a part of. There’s a lot of talent in the room and we’ve played better than anybody expected us to play. I look for it to continue to improve.”
ZDURIENCIK
“There’s a lot going on, but we try to do what’s the best for us all the time, whether it’s internally or we go outside. Our focus right now after this weekend is to get back on track. With Felix (pitching) today and Wash tomorrow, we’ve got a good chance to do that. This club has been resilient and will bounce back.”
“People are going to call, obviously. Everybody is talking to everybody right now and things have heated up. But that doesn’t necessarily mean something is going to happen. But you have a responsibility to look at everything and weigh the big picture. At the end of the day, do what we’ve always tried to do — continue to help our club get better.”
“Here in the next few days, that changes things, too. I suspect people are going to wait until the very last second to make a move. Let’s say we’re fortunate to have a good series here and we start off real good in Texas, then you have to look at where you’re at at that moment.”
“You have to take a realistic and honest view and always assess. We go through it every week, where are we at as a ballclub. That doesn’t change. Because of the trade deadline there’s great fan interest. But clubs are always making phone calls to see where you stand. I’ll say the same thing that I’ve always said, that our goal is to always try to improve our organization. That’s what we’ll continue to do.”
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