710 ESPN Seattle's Shannon Drayer
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E-mail thisLarry Stone is reporting this morning that Ken Griffey Jr has indeed agreed to a one year contract and is returning to the team. The Mariners are expected to make the announcement this afternoon. I think this is a very good thing for the team in that Jr was invaluable to that clubhouse and taught the guys to play loose. From tickles to hugs, to history and dramatic homeruns, this guy has great value to this team and I am happy to see him back.
From Swingman to Pitchman.
Jack Zduriencik made a big splash intended or not at the General Managers Meetings in Chicago this week when he told the media there when asked about Felix Hernandez, “He’s our property this year and next year, and we’re looking forward to him being part of the organization as we move forward. I can’t control other people calling and people wanting to have discussions. That’s the job to do and certainly we’re going to dot our i’s and cross our t’s. But where we stand right now is that he’s an integral part of what we’re doing and we’re looking forward to having him."
I think this is what a lot of M's fans have wanted to hear but what I am hearing from a lot of you are concerned that the Mariners have not begun negotiating a long term contract with Felix yet. I think a lot of us would have felt better if this had begun as soon as the season had ended. I for one have been pretty anxious about this. You know who hasn't been anxious? Felix.
"He likes Seattle, he likes his team. He likes being in the competitive situation he is in Seattle," his agent Alan Nero told me today. "He is not frustrated or anxious about the situation right now. Scott Pucino who works with me and knows Felix probably better than I do is meeting with him now in Venezuela and says he is very content."
Nero went on to say, "We have been assured by everyone that the team would do something. We are not in a hurry. It is up to them and when they are ready."
As for Zduriencik comments, Nero said they just reinforced what they already knew in that the Mariners certainly wanted to keep Felix long term and again that there was nothing to worry about. What about a possible trade?
"It would be a surprise to all of us if that would happen."
Reports out of Chicago today would indicate that Zduriencik's declaration about keeping Felix was not a "give us your best, and I mean best shot" statement in disguise. Joel Sherman of the New York Post tweeted tonight (seriously, you have to get on Twitter if you haven't already), "have been told by several execs that no sign the Mariners are considering moving Felix Hernandez."
So when could something happen? To me this is looking more and more like an early spring thing with the arbitration hearing date being the biggest deadline. Nero indicated that his relationship with the organization was very good saying that Don Wakamatsu had done a great job of developing his relationship with Felix and that Zduriencik had been very calming for them. He has negotiated with Zduriencik once in the past representing Felix in his first arbitration eligible contract and that went smoothly.
While anything could happen at any time, all indications are that it may take some time, but both sides will sit down at a negotiating table eventually. It is not a pressing issue according to Nero.
"I really don't see anything to be worried about."
News and notes...From the "perhaps I was going in the wrong direction today" file, Larry Stone, Jim Street and Larry Larue were all talked to Russell Branyan today about turning down a one year offer from the M's. He remains optimistic that something will still get done with the team. For more, read the Times, MLB.com, or News Tribune...It is looking more and more like it is a matter of when, not if Ken Griffey Jr signs for one final year. Some of his last words to me were, "Why wouldn't I come back?"...Hot Stove League Show kicks off Wed. from 6-8. First guests include Don Wakamatsu, Mike Blowers, Mark Lowe and Larry Larue...Ichiro picks up his 9th straight Gold Glove award becoming the first player to win the award his first nine seasons. It was the 23rd consecutive year a Mariner has picked up the award. That is the best streak in the majors...Franklin Gutierrez did not win the award. He should have. CJ Wilson of the Texas Rangers tweeted (seriously, get on Twitter, @shannondrayer) @str8edgeracer no gold glove for gutierrez? maybe he only made amazing catches against the rangers then...this post has been brought to you by the letters R,B,I and the number 34. Happy 40th Sesame Street!...
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