I'm really bummed out that Prince Fielder will sign with Detroit.

I won't lie. You know me too well by now.

More accurately, I'm bummed that he didn't sign here in Seattle!

"Get Prince" was my slogan as far back as last summer. The big left-handed power threat was the guy I identified for this offseason that I hoped would spur the Mariners' growth process. At the time, I didn't think he would end up signing such an enormous deal. Not that he would have ever flown under the radar, but I wasn't expecting the $214 million mega-deal he ultimately landed in Detroit.

That said, I don't think -- as many do -- that Detroit will be crippled by this move. I don't think this was "crazy money." I think that the market is changing (and will continue to change) with the advent of regional sports networks. Smart agents like Scott Boras will continue to bargain directly with owners, preying on their desperation and referencing their new revenue streams that elite players help prime.

When it comes to guys like Prince that can hit for mega-power, the mega-bucks will follow. I still believe the Mariners should have found the money for a player of Prince's caliber.

So yes, I am disappointed. But I'm not disconsolate or anything. Here's why:

The truth of the matter is that the M's are building for the long haul. General manager Jack Zduriencik is preaching patience, and it is the right message for a team that has systematically turned over its foundation since he arrived.

Raul Ibanez is one veteran hitter who could help take some of the pressure off younger Mariners like Mike Carp and Jesus Montero. (AP)

THERE WAS NO FOUNDATION WHEN HE ARRIVED!

Zduriencik has had to completely revamp an organization (not just a 25-man roster) that was bereft of talent. Draft after draft of incompetence takes its toll on an organization and he has had to deal much of the flotsam and jetsam laying around and attempt to replace it with actual talent. Early indications are that he has done that.

So how to explain the veteran signings like Mike Sweeney, Russell Branyan and Miguel Olivo? Simple. You have to fill up a roster with legitimate major leaguers while you are acquiring young talent that may not be ready. None of those signings cost resources nor did they really block young players from moving up.

That brings us to today. No, the team probably isn't ready to compete with the Rangers or Angels for 162 games this season.

But you can see the plan taking shape.

The Mariners now have the potential for a legitimately lethal middle of the order. If Jesus Montero and Justin Smoak are who they are capable of being, they can be a 3-4 combo to build around for many years. Teams generally need two big bats in the middle (Ryan Braun/Fielder, Manny Ramirez/David Ortiz, Ryan Howard/Chase Utley, Miguel Cabrera/Victor Martinez) and though there is a huge risk with these two, the price is negligible and the upside is tremendous.

Yes, I think they still need one more bat to complete the lineup.

Some names to watch include Ryan Ludwick, Johnny Damon, Carlos Guillen, Vlad Guerrero and Raul Ibanez. (Whoops! Ludwick signed. Dumb me!)

Those players are likely still available at a reasonable price, still could have something left, and could help keep everyone in this lineup in an appropriate spot.

For example, adding a proven veteran bat like one of the names above could prevent Mike Carp from having to hit fifth and allow him to flourish lower in the lineup. Same with Kyle Seager.

With one more addition, the Mariners should at least be competitive this season while waiting for the reinforcements to arrive. Kevin Millwood could hold a spot for one of the young pitchers. Ludwick or Ibanez could hold the fort while we wait for Montero and/or Smoak to hit his stride, and maybe until Ichiro's contract comes off the books and another big-money free agent is a possibility.

The point is, I am bummed about losing out on Fielder because I think he would have acted as a catalyst and sped up the process.

But I am comfortable with the foundation in Seattle, and I think I understand what the architect is building.

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