Before I start, Friday Morning Closer will now be posted on Sundays as Sunday Strikeouts - Notes Around The Major Leagues.  Reason being that I'm now much too busy on Friday's to post notes for the Closer.

The Mariners are looking more and more like a contender, but there is one weakness that needs to be fixed.

Starting Pitching.

The Astros are falling further and further out of the playoffs and despite competing in the weak NL Central, they've got no shot whatsoever and need to start looking at the future, with several key veterens approaching free agency or entering their declien phases.

I think they both can help out here.

Here's a trade idea I think might work for both sides:

Seattle Gets

• RHP Jason Jennings
• RHP Brad Lidge

Houston Gets

• RHP Jeff Weaver
• C Prospect Jeff Clement

Okay, now before PF and Sleepless jump on me, let me explain.

Clement is roadblocked by Jose Vidro and Kenji Johjima as far as catcher and DH are concerned.  They also need to find a way to get rid of Weaver, as he's been almost historically bad this season and isn't going to get much better.

Jennings, like Weaver, is a one year rental that has had some injury issues, but is also a proven horse.  He'd greatly benefit from a solid infield defense and pitching friendly parks.

In this trade idea, Seattle gets a proven starter, a quality setup man while ridding itself of a headache.  Houston gets a catcher that they sorely need and they begin the rebuilding process shortly after.

And, should the Mariners not re-sign Jennings, they'll acquire two draft picks for his status as a Type A Free Agent, which will be quite valueable.

It's a trade that benefits both sides, but won't ever happen because Seattle perhaps overvalues Clement and because Houston won't throw in the towel.

Let’s see whom the hat chose for today’s preview…

Huh.  I’m going to get some beatings from a pair of Seattle fans I know.  Oh man, here it goes…

Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners did undergo some improvement, finishing at a much improved 78-84 record, though their attempt to get to that mark may have cost them the future of Shin Soo Choo, a possible power outfielder, plus others.  There are a few questionable signings that have been made that could have been filled internally, a sign that management was willing to spend money more to show to the fans that they are making some effort to win.  However, not all of their signings are awful:  some of them are actually very underrated, though there is a boneheaded trade that I do have issue with.  Let’s take a peek.

Starting Rotation

1. Felix Hernandez (RHP) – For all my talk of Dan Haren and his ace potential, Hernandez actually has the potential to be better.  Hernandez was so over hyped last season that he was bound to disappoint, but don’t get me wrong, his numbers were pretty good and he was a league average starter last season.  With the weight loss and a full season’s experience in the leagues, it’s possible that Hernandez could really break out this season.
2. Jarrod Washburn (LHP) – Washburn wasn’t the ace he was during the Angels’ title run, but he was serviceable until injuries ended his season early.  Washburn should be fully recovered and should slot in nicely behind Hernandez, though expecting any sort of dominance would be hoping for too much.  He’s a pitcher that will win roughly half his games each year.
3. Jeff Weaver (RHP) – The logic for Weaver returning to the American League West, where he was destroyed, astounds me.  It’s amazing what Scott Boras is able to convince his clients to do.  For the record, Weaver posted horrific ERA’s at Ameriquest Field (6.23 ERA), the McAfee Coliseum (6.94 ERA) and at Angel Stadium (9.79 ERA).  He’ll also posting a sparking a 6.55 ERA in four career starts at Safeco Field, one of the best pitchers parks in the league.  Weaver will probably get torched once again and could be DFA’d once again.  Again, this is a questionable move, as Weaver was perfect fit in St. Louis, though I will admit that the Cardinals aren’t completely blameless, as they were unwilling to keep almost any of their starters, save for Carpenter and Mulder.
4. Miguel Batista (RHP) – I actually love this signing.  Batista eats up innings and can induce groundballs, which plays well with Adrian Beltre and Yuliesky Betancourt behind him.  He’s 35 and is probably in his declining stage, but he seems to have enough left in the tank to be able to justify his signing. 
5. Horacio Ramirez (LHP) – Ramirez is a good example of a talented pitcher who has had his career derailed by injuries.  He’s had Tommy John, a hamstring injury, a pulled tendon in his finger and was also hit in the head with a line drive.  Ramirez doesn’t have great stuff, but he does induce ground balls, which is a benefit, as the Mariners do have the infield defense to be able to help field them and keep runs off the board. 

Bullpen

• J.J. Putz (Closer) – The former setup man took the closer’s job away from Eddie Guardado and ran with it last season, posting a remarkable 104:13 K/BB ratio last year (or one walk for every eight strikeouts.)  So long as he stays off the DL, Putz should be a solid closer for the next five years or so, so long as he keeps his command under control.
• Chris Reitsma (Setup Man) – Reitsma was actually a very solid addition to this bullpen as he can induce groundballs and keep the ball in the park.  Reitsma’s awful 2006 was actually due to a extra muscle in his arm, which has since been removed.  Yeah, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of that happening either.
• Jake Woods (LHP) – Woods was a solid lefty reliever, but he was also solid in 8 starts, going 3-3 with a 4.50 ERA.  He would have a more than capable fifth starter and Seattle should have given him the opportunity, instead of wasting money on Jeff Weaver.  With the health of Ramirez in question, as well as that of Weaver and Batista, it’s possible that Woods could get some spot starts when necessary.
• Arthur Rhodes (LHP) – Rhodes flamed out after a season with the Phillies and is being brought aboard to help bolster the setup corps.  Rhodes is only a year away from going 3-1 with a ERA of 2.08 with 16 holds in 47 outings and he should benefit from the friendly surroundings of Safeco.  If he makes the team, which I think he will, he should return to his old form.
• Cha Seung Baek (RHP) – Baek was also solid in 6 starters, going 4-1 with a 3.67 ERA.  Like Woods, he could see action if someone gets hurt.   Command and sound mechanics are Baek's biggest assets. He throws a few different curveballs, a change-up, slider and low-90s heat.  As a starter, he needs to work on his stamina. Overall, his lack of a really dominant pitch could be a problem and he needs to work on his approach to left-handed hitters.
• Julio Mateo (RHP) – This old hand should be okay again for another year.
• George Sherrill (LHP) – Another old hand will round out a pretty solid rotation.

Starting Lineup

1. Ichiro Suzuki (CF) – Ichiro is shifting to centerfield full time this season, and he should be able to handle the position, as he’s got enough speed and is so solid defensively that he should excel.  He’s had six consecutive seasons of .300 or better, six straight seasons of more than 200 hits, six consecutive seasons of more than 100 runs scored and more than 30 stolen bases, and six consecutive Gold Gloves.  There’s no reason why he shouldn’t make this year number 7 and remain the best leadoff man in baseball.  The story during the season will be whether or not the team actually trades Ichiro if they are out of the race before the deadline is going.  I don’t think so, as the PR fallout would be toxic, but this off-season should prove to be interesting if there isn’t significant improvement in this team.
2. Yuliesky Betancourt (SS) – One of the slickest gloves in the game, Betancourt’s bat finally came to life last season, as he improved his average by more than 40 points, increased his amount of hits and even improved his power numbers.  Isn’t it amazing what you can accomplish by having a full season to prove yourself?  Betancourt will likely hit second.
3. Adrian Beltre (3B) – Beltre finally showed up last season, hitting for power and regaining some shell of the MVP Candidate in 2004.  Beltre remains a solid defender and if the return of the bat is for real, Seattle will finally have some power in the three hole for the first time since Alex Rodriguez was there.
4. Richie Sexon (1B) – Sexton had a decent year, but the strikeouts are a problem.  Even more worrisome is that his defense at first base is slipping, making it a possibility that at some point in the next year or two, he’ll have to switch to DH.  For the moment, his offensive potential outweighs his defensive limitations, but the strikeouts have got to come down.
5. Jose Guillen (RF) – I dig this signing, though there is some risk involved, depending on how ready Jose Guillen is after surgery.  Guillen is normally a power hitter that can capably play right field.  The Mariners should have gotten one of the bargains of the off-season with him.  On a side note, Guillen will also make sure he’s at his best when he plays the Angels 19 times this year, as he still holds a deep hatred for Angels manager Mike Scioscia, calling him a "piece of garbage" when he returned with the Washington Nationals two season ago, after Guillen became upset when Scioscia removed him in favor of a pinch runner during a game against Oakland.
6. Raul Ibanez (LF) – Left fielder Raul Ibanez is coming off his finest season -- career-high 33 homers and 123 RBIs -- and he seems more and more comfortable batting in the heart of the Seattle lineup.
7. Kenji Johjima (C) – Johjima had a solid adjustment to the American Game, able to handle a pitching staff in spite of the language barrier and was able to keep his bat active, hitting .291 with 18 homers.  With another year of experience, plus the fact he’s in his prime, and Seattle is set on this position for quite some time, allowing top prospect Jeff Clement time to develop.
8. Jose Lopez (2B) – Lopez led the club in RBIs for the first 10 weeks of the season and wound up making the All-Star team.  He’s a great young player that Seattle can build around and gives Seattle a power bat to depend on late in the order.
9. Jose Vidro (DH) – This is a questionable trade in the fact that Vidro is clearly declining.  He’s no longer good enough to defend as a regular and as far as hitting goes, Vidro’s power is rapidly leaving him.  In other words, he’s a younger, slightly improved Carl Everett, though unlike Everett, the Mariners are kind of forced to keep him around, thanks to the money invested in him.

Bench

• Ben Broussard (1B) – Ben Broussard gives the club some left-handed power off the bench, but his salary is somewhat restrictive and with the DH role now filled with Jose Vidro, Borussard could be traded.
• Mike Morse (OF) – Mike Morse can play some shortstop, second, third (he came up as a shortstop) and left field and is a promising right-handed hitter off the bench.
• Rene Rivera (C) – Catcher Rene Rivera is solid defensively but won't get that much playing time behind Johjima.
• Jeremy Reed (CF) – Reed still has the potential to be a solid regular, he just needs a shot. 
• Willie Bloomquist (IF) – Willie Bloomquist once again returns to be Seattle’s Swiss Army Knife, able to play the infield, as well as center.

Down On The Farm…

Seattle has some interesting prospects in the system, but there really isn’t anything special inside the system.  Most of this can be attributed to several prospects that were rushed, drafting for need, as well as prospects that just didn’t pan out or were traded. 

• Adam Jones (CF) – Jones is a player with good tools that is being groomed into the successor to Ichiro in center.  Jones has excellent bat speed and developing power, plus is a skilled runner who covers plenty of ground in the outfield and has one of the best arms in the minor leagues.  He’s far from a finished product, but he’s going to have the year to work on his skills, especially if Ichiro does leave for greener pastures. 
• Jeff Clement (C) – The problem with drafting on need is that sometimes things can shoot you in the foot.  Clement is a good example of that.  When Clement was drafted, the Mariners anticipated him making his way through the minors quickly.  And then they go out and sign Kenji Johjima.  There’s nothing wrong with that, but if the Mariners were going to sign a catcher, and a relatively young one at that, then why draft Clement when there were a lot more prospects that could have helped out.   With that said, Clement isn’t a bad prospect.  He’s got good raw power and can drive the ball to all fields, plus has decent plate discipline and has rapidly improved his catching skills, though you can still run on him.  Though Clement had a terrible year last year, thanks to injury, he still projects to be a solid player.
• Wladimir Balentien (OF) – Balentien has the best power potential in the system, surpassing even that of Clement, plus he can play a playable centerfield, though his future in the majors is likely in right.  Balentien’s biggest weakness is his strikeout totals, which have been and always will be high.  Still, the Mariners feel that if he learns to work the count, he’ll shine.  Look for him to start at Triple A, with the possibility of a September call up as the season progresses.
• Eric O'Flaherty (LHP) – O’Flaherty is a solid young lefty will could make a contribution at some point in time.
• Michael Garciaparra (2B) – This was a questionable selection by the Mariners when they drafted him 5 years ago, mostly on the basis of his name.  Garciaparra has only now achieved prospect status, but even then, he looks like he’s going to be a utilityman, as the power that Seattle hoped for hasn’t arrived. 

In Conclusion

The staff is older and I would have been more thrilled with it had they not signed Weaver.  I loved the signing of Bautista and the trade for Ramirez has grown on me.  But Weaver will rack up losses and to be honest, Woods would have been a worthwhile experiment and would have been much cheaper.  The Bullpen appears solid, and the lineup is adequate if Sexton is able to keep the windmill tendency at a minimum.  But, honestly, I see another fourth place finish ahead for Seattle. 

Final Standing: Fourth Place In The American League West.

Now excuse me while I get a head start while Sleepless and PF get their Carl Everett Autographed Bats ready to bash me with…

Friday Morning Closer

Here's my out inning for the day:

Warming Up The Stove - Free Agency 2006

Here's a list of some of the pitchers that will hit free agency this coming off-season.

Jason Schmidt - Still a solid workhorse pitcher, but is beginning to climb up in the years some, plus he has a lot of milage on that arm of his.  He'll be solid, but not spectacular and should become a middle of the rotation pitcher somewhere.  Morisato's Pick:  Seattle Mariners

Barry Zito - A solid lefty, could serve as the ace on several pitching staffs.  He's going to be out of the price range for several teams.  Really, is there any doubt where he's going.  Morisato's Pick:  New York Yankees

Andy Pettitte - Has had a crash of epic proportions in the first half of the season before bouncing back in the second.  He's prone to health issues and is in his mid thirties, but still has great strikeout rates.  If he's not your ace, he can contribute, but pray that the wheels don't fall off while he's working with you.  Morisato's Pick:  Houston Astros

Jeff Weaver - Believe it or not, he's throwing pretty much the same as he always does, he's just getting lit up a lot more.  Weaver will probably not get a shot in the American League again, but could be okay if he's in a pitcher's park.  Morisato's Pick:  San Diego Padres

Mark Mulder - Rotator cuff issues killed his season, so Mulder will likely sign a one year contract with a team and try to justify his long term contract demands.  Morisato's Pick: New York Mets

Vicente Padilla - Has proven that the AL is no trouble, as he's become arguably the best pitcher on the Rangers.  He'll likely test free agency, but the whole hit tendancies to Vlad Guerrero and A.J. Piersinsky will turn off some people.  Morisato's Pick:  Texas Rangers.

Tomo Ohka - A good innings eater that does best as the fourth guy in the rotation.  While he's had some rotator cuff injuries to deal with, he'll give some depth to a pitching rotation and takes the pressure off of the bullpen.  Morisato's Pick:  Philadelphia Phillies

Coret Lidle - Has proven to be a good pickup by the Yankees.  Who knew?  Still, he's not going to be back next season and will get someone to pay him the big bucks to be an innings eater elsewhere.  Morisato's Pick:  Arizona Diamondbacks

Tigers To Deal Pitching.

The Tigers are currently suffering the same problem that seems to be plaguing the Oakland Athletics.

Too little offense.

The Tigers are sure to want to upgrade this during the off-season, which is why the Tigers are talking about dealing from their depth of starting pitching.

At the moment, the Tigers have a set rotation, though it's likely that they'll need to promote someone to replace Kenny Rogers.  Their stable of minor league pitchers include promising prospects Andrew Miller and Wilfredo Ledesma. 

The Tigers have discussed privately about dealing Jeremy Bonderman, who's nearing free agency and would bring in the impact bat that Detroit sorely needs.  There's been also talk about moving other prospects for help, since after a while, prospects lose value.

The problem?

The Tigers are going to demand a kings ransom for their prospects.  The Rangers discussed with the Tigers about Bonderman.

Their asking price?

Mark Teixiera.

If the Tigers are willing to come off their price a bit, I'm sure they'll find some pieces that will work out for them.  If not, well, then we could have another case of the Los Angeles Angels.

Friday Morning Closer

So, here’s my four-pitch outing for the day:

Hell’s Angels?

The Los Angeles Angels North Of Santa Clara, West of Orange County, South of Pasadena are off to a terrible start.  It’s easy for some columnists (I’m looking at you, Ken Rosenthal!) to blame it on the fact that the Angels gambled a little too much on their farm system.  While it’s certainly part of the reason that the Angels are current third in the AL West and well behind the Rangers and Athletics for the division lead, it’s not the only reason.  Observe.

The Angels came into the 2005 ALCS riding Vlad Guerrero and the strength of their pitching.  The White Sox exploited that weakness and made the Angels virtually toothless offensively.  And while they made a play to sign first baseman Paul Konerko, when they lost out, they didn’t make a play for Manny Ramirez, who would have been a great DH for the club.  They could have even swung a deal for Jim Thome, provided that they picked up some of his salary.  They didn’t do that either.  They didn’t retain Bengie Molina, who was the only other offensive stud in that lineup.  Hell, GM Bill Stoneman could have dealt from his glut of infield prospects and made a deal with the Florida Marlins and picked up Carlos Delgado for crying out load.  Instead, they decided to rely on disabled list regulars Darin Erstad and Garret Anderson, counted on Tim Salmon being a force at DH, and hoped that Casey Kotchman and Jeff Mathis to pickup the slack.

Salmon’s done his job better than anyone could have dreamed.  Erstad is on the disabled list with a bruise and bone spurs in his right ankle and Anderson is suffering from a sore left hamstring and strained left arch.  After that, the rest of the bunch is a disaster.  And as for the rookies, Kotchman is on the DL with mono and Mathis flamed out so badly that he’s back at Class AAA.  Second baseman Howie Kendrick went 3-for-26 in his audition.  Dallas McPherson is looking like a lost cause and rookie pitcher Chris Bootcheck pitched one game, then ended up on the DL.  Still, all of these guys are in their first season and are likely to have a case of the jitters.  I mean, come on.  Not everyone is going to be Huston Street, Robby Cano, or Albert #### Pujols out there on their first time out.  So there is still time for these guys to blossom.

Rosenthal forgets, however, that the Angels have played a brutal first quarter of the season.  It’s going to let up after they face Texas, with series against the Devil Rays, Royals, and Orioles coming up.  They should improve over .500 with that schedule.

There is also the matter that the Angels’ strong pitching, long their strength, isn’t as strong this year.  Bartolo Colon, their ace, is on the disabled list.  Paul Byrd and Jarrod Washburn, their solid middle of the order starters, have been replaced by Jeff Weaver, who has underachieved, and Ervin Santana, who’s still learning.  Plus, the bullpen, while still strong, has loss some of the depth thanks to Romero and Yan off to rocky starts.

The Angels will rebound, I guarantee that.  But I do wonder if the division has finally caught up to them.

What the…awww, why Frisco why!?!?!

According to the Contra Costa Times, the Giants have nine veterans in the final year of their contracts -- including Barry Bonds, Jason Schmidt, Moises Alou, Ray Durham and Pedro Feliz.  It’s likely that most of these guys are going to bolt for free agency, though most will be competing for DH/Bench gigs in the AL.  Obviously, the Giants need to restock their team.  But instead of trying to rebuild a terrible farm system, run into the ground thanks to losing picks because of free agency signings, the Giants are going to rebuild the team via free agency.  And lose more draft picks.

Not a great idea.

Second Base in Jeter’s Future?

This story won’t go away, for one good reason.

C.J. Henry.

Who?

C.J. Henry.

Who?

A shortstop prospect for the New York Yankees.

Oh.

Henry was drafted out of high school last year, Henry has tremendous athleticism, as good size at 6’3, 205 and has great defensive skills at the position.  He’s quick as hell and has power in his bat.  Currently, he’s hitting .276 with 2 homers, 9 RBIs, 4 stolen bases, 6 walks, in 17 games with High Class A Charleston.  He does need to learn patience at the plate however.  Still, he’s only 19 and can only get better.

Which brings us to Jeter, who’s still one of the Top 3 Shortstops in the league.  But Jeter is also going to be 32 in June and will probably begin experiencing some problems defensively in three years.  I’m not trashing Jeter, Yankee fans.  I respect the hell out of him.  But I was also a great fan of Cal Ripkin Jr as well and he eventually had to change to third base as he was becoming a defensive liability at short. 

But the Yankees, in three years, will have Henry, who will then be 22 and be almost ready for the show.  The Yankees could slide Jeter over to second and have him pass the torch to Henry.

Where will this leave Robinson Cano?

Trade bait.

Do you all remember Danny Almonte?

Yeah, you remember him.  The kid who was pitching in little league and turned out to be 15, not 12.  Guess what?  He got married.

The former Little Leaguer secretly married to a 30-year-old woman.  He hasn’t graduated from high school yet, but tied the knot at City Hall last Oct. 14.  In another twist, she's known Almonte since his infamous Little League days.  I’m already getting queasy about reporting this.

Almonte, who survived his scandal and went on to become the ace pitcher on the Monroe High School team, was selected to play for the East team in the All-American Baseball Game on June 7 in Albuquerque, and is expected to be drafted by a Major League Baseball team next month, as either a pitcher or a first baseman.  As of May 11th, USA Today reported, Almonte was 9-0 with 0.45 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 47 innings. Almonte also could take a scholarship offer at New Mexico Junior College in Hobbs in case he doesn't get drafted.

If that happens, Shooter, wanna go on a Road Trip?

See you all next week.