Part 1

Part 2

Q.  So what would you do with Aardsma?

A.  Assuming that there was a team that bought into his closing, I'd deal him, and right now.

But if that's not possible, hey. 

Aardsma can close and do an "eehhhhh" job at it.   There's a 75% chance he'll bop along with okay success for a while.  There's another 25% chance that balls will start flying over the fence regularly, and he'll have to be replaced.  Along with the ballclub's confidence at that point.

Going into April 2010, Shandler has him at $16 -- way below the $25 stars of the game, a few bucks ahead of the top closers-in-waiting.  Roto champs won't be betting on Aardsma to last the season in the role, but as long as he's there, they'll participate.

.........

Aardsma has lasting value as a nuke-the-rally wild card, and as a 4th short man who takes pressure off your big three.  

You use Kelley and League one night, and Lowe and Aardsma the next.  Classic Pat Gillick paradigm.   Of the four short relievers, Aardsma is the do-or-die option out there.  That's fine.

.

Q.  What could you get for a less-than-solid closer, if you wanted to trade him?

A.  Last time, the body count was:

1. Franklin Gutierrez, a championship-level young franchise pillar
2. Aaron Heilman, an upper-tier setup man
3. Jason Vargas, a #5-6 SP who helped the Mariners a LOT
4. Endy Chavez, a #3-4 outfielder who played a big role in Safeco
5. Maikel Cleto, a legit live arm in the lower minors
6. Mike Carp, a legit ML-ready LH first base prospect
7. Ezequiel Carrera, a lost-in-the-crowd lower minors prospect

The Mariners also gave up two guys they'd have had to cut -- White and Reed - but Luis Valbuena was a hot prospect and is already playing at the Ml level.  Cancel (say) Mike Carp, maybe more, against him.

Supposing you could get that for David Aardsma right now?

A very important starting player, and an 8th-inning stopper, and a #5-6 starter, and a very good bench player, and a couple-three prospects?

I suppose cyber-Seattle wouldn't have much trouble connecting that to Cliff Lee or Brandon League or whoever.  ;- )

.

Q.  Where would the M's bullpen sit, if they dealt Aardsma?

A.  With three superb, professional relievers -- League, Lowe, and Kelley -- plus the one that Capt. Jack got back in the Aardsma deal.

A LOOGY would be very nice.  Does the Big Unit want a farewell tour?

.

Q.  Next up?

A.  Mark Lowe.  I'll confess to looking that one up ahead of time.  ;- )