Add new comment

SSI has insisted, since 2006 at least, that the M's could increase their payroll by $20M, $30M, $40M or more -- comfortably.  The Mariners are starting off from a position of much more club-friendly cash flow circumstances than other teams.
And starting with the *failure* to sign Prince Fielder last year, they've made all the right noises about spending -- when the purchase decisions were the right ones.  Such as Zduriencik's remarks a la "We're all pleased that this ownership is ready to commit resources."  Recall that the Fielder offer was made while Ichiro's $18M was on the books.  At that time they'd have budgeted 7 years of Fielder money, 3-4 years of Ichiro money, and Felix' extension.
They could pay Hamilton, mostly with Ichiro's cash, add arb players* Holland and Choo, on a 1-year rental, without even pushing their comfort zone, and that's before the new economic landscape.  
Whether the ownership commitee is in the MOOD to do it NOW is the only question.  Hence the twittering this week about "some people in the M's front office question whether the M's are in position this offseason to make such decisions" and so forth.
No way to blame Grizzle for being skeptical about ownership's mood, though, considering their track record.
....................
Baker just posted on Twitter "GM Zduriencik won't comment on any discussions with Hamilton. Two weeks ago, he was very vocal about likely not signing him. Today, silence"