Add new comment

Great article and source.  Bravo!
 
Now, I'm going to preface the rest of my response by noting a couple of "called shots" that I made along this line of thinking ... and then give my take on the rest of 2011.
 
I noted long before Griffey's return that he was the one external piece that "could" become the soul of the club.  For a year, he did.  I noted during that year ... even while things were going great ... that his positive impact would and could only apply during his 'triumphant return'.  I harped on the reality that it matters WHERE YOU CAME FROM when judging psychological impact from player acquisitions.  Even as I predicted Griffey might have the positive impact he had in 2009 ... I also noted (correctly) that it could not and would not still apply in 2010.
 
So, in my humble, arm chair sports psychologist view ... the "savior" free agent route is precisely and completely the wrong tool to pull from the toolbox at this time.  Yes, this team is succeeding where failure was predicted.  And Jack has done a wonderful job of trying to pick up "under appreciated" parts from abroad.  Olivo had a double reason to succeed in Seattle (not appreciated elsewhere, but also to make up for his horrid performance from his first stay).  Ryan was also unappreciated.
 
But, I would argue that the emotional success of the 2011 club ... the primary "intangible" is, in fact, that cloud of "nobody expects us to do anything."  To me, THIS club is not one that would benefit from a mid-term (external to the organization) acquisition.  The club, for the first time in nearly a decade, is poised to actually create and define "Mariner" baseball ... as opposed to "mercenary of the day" baseball. 
 
Remember that in 2009, there was a (momentary) sense that the veteran entitlement from years past had been excised.  But in 2010 we discovered it was only an illusion as Griffey was welded to the #5 slot in the order for 6 weeks while hitting even worse than Figgins is today.  If the 2011 club really was one that in April could be seen as one with 'obvious' potential to change - (which I personally think is significantly overstating the case - as the greatest changes have been a result of dumping Bradley and Langerhans and Guti being on the DL - but I can appreciate the argument even if I disagree with the conclusion).
 
IMO, if you find a way to move Figgins for a failed prospect - (Andy Marte?) - then you build on the foundation that is here.  Or, if you trade away Ichiro (which ain't gonna happen), you solidify the 'production matters' concept.  But, if you go and acquire Fielder to play DH, while Halman, Carp and Peguero *ALL* have OPS+ numbers above 100 ... then, from my perspective, you simply crush the concept that any prospect who isn't in the BA top 100 might as well just quit and sell Lady Kenmores. 
 
The success of the 2011 season has been built primarily on the backs of players who were universally scorned and scoffed at.  Olivo and Ryan were dismissed.  The bullpen of Pauley, Wright and Laffey was dismissed.  From my perspective, the proper "deadline gamble" that this club could make is ... do nothing.  Keep Bedard and gamble you can extend him.  Risk losing him to FA without compensation.  If you really want to "go for it" in 2011, then tell everyone on the team through action -- we believe in YOU.