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I agree with almost all the comments, but especially Matt's. The Ms need a top-flight pitcher. I don't think anyone really argues with that. My contribution is, hey, go get the right guy for Seattle and give him what he wants. This is a VERY successful franchise, based on their filings with the stadium folks. So, get the best guy out there; and there's some uniquely Seattle things to offer him.

Meanwhile, having another hitter to extend the lineup, while not strictly necessary THIS year, will be in the next year or two. Stanton is on the market, for sure, for probably the only time. We can dream that Kyle Lewis will be Griffey-level, and, no, I wouldn't trade HIM, but Stanton IS Griffey-level in hitting, and only a bit quieter in charisma. As a West-Coast boy, I bet he'd love this town, even if he didn't want to live here in the winter. And he WOULD bring butts in seats - the 3-million mark is there to be exceeded after all these years of disappointment. I read somewhere that 1M attendance is worth $50-60M to the bottom line. Can the Ms afford him? Why the heck not?

And, similar to the Griffey trade, Stanton has a full no-trade clause. HE will pick where he goes. The acquiring team just needs to get a decent offer (of mainly young pitching) on Jeter's table. Neidert is moving up the prospect charts -- what additional might they want? Because of the huge contract, other teams (like the Cardinals) may offer better young pitchers to get Miami to pay it down. Again, this franchise is successful and Stanton could make it more so. Take the contract; give them some nice young pitching. Neidert and Marco Gonzales* and Thyago Vieira? I can think of combinations that would be quite tempting to any club. Add Churchill-favorite Christopher Torres (who looks to be everything Jason says - but the Ms have Segura who's already there) and you might be there. But they ought to try. HARD.

Then there is Ohtani. To make it clear, he's for future-proofing the team. Another "one-chance-only" at a significant bargain price; when (and if) he hits the market, the Ms should be all-in as Felix's and Cano's (or Cruz's) successor. Not an immediate savior (though I can see him winning 12-15 games like 'Kuma the first time through the league). But since the Farm is weak, here's the chance to get a 23-year old with upside. I suspect he wants to go to a contender so he doesn't have to be the immediate savior somewhere. And Cy Young winners need lineups that win games in most years. Signing Darvish, with or without a palship with Ohtani, gives a "contender" stamp. Getting Stanton would mean owner Stanton, Larson, Mather, et al, are REALLY serious about BOTH attendance and winning. Then Ohtani's choice is easier -- contender, wonderful town, rabid fans, but he doesn't have to carry it (Just do his best). I would think that would be more appealling than the roster on 11/1/2017.

* Yes, even him, IFF we have Darvish and to get Stanton

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