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Donald Wackerman's avatar

Any chance ownership sees Sasaki’s unwillingness to grant the Ms an interview, even though they have a great track record of developing young pitchers (and keeping them healthy), a great pitcher’s park, the ability to pay him the most money (per sport trac), and a front office that claimed it had bee preparing for this for years, as a repudiation of their unwillingness to financially commit to winning rather than merely “competing “ (54%)?

What are the odds Cal or Logan or George re-sign?

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Luke Arkins's avatar

We have no idea of what is/was a priority to Sasaki. As for Raleigh, Gilbert, Kirby, and any other big leaguer, free agency is a right. How many players across the league opt for it every year? If I were them, I’d go free agent and make as much money as possible.

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Donald Wackerman's avatar

Didn’t we have some idea of what was a priority for Sasaki from his agent and weren’t the Ms competitive on most except the commitment to success?

I didn’t them to sign him but not even getting an interview seems a rebuke.

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Luke Arkins's avatar

Lots of stuff mentioned was mentioned by his agent, including pitching development, market size, location, team success and whether a team already has Japanese players. But no factor was publicly made a priority over the others. I don't see the point in trying to craft Sasaki not wanting to talk to Seattle as an indictment of the franchise. He's not going to be a Met or Yankee either. The Mariners organization has plenty of blemishes it can work on. But to me, not getting Sasaki or even getting to meet with him, is part of the business.

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Mike A.'s avatar

"Raising the floor" of the bench...

If JP's bat doesn't return, the whole infield would be coming off the bench on any other club.

2025 M's lack of even one 1st tier infielder makes it apparent:

~$30 mil sunk cost on the Mitches plus '24 Polanco whiff, mean buying even MLB 2nd tier guys threatens profitability. And we can't threaten M's profitability...no no.

I hope M's bring back my favorite 2nd tier guy Josh Rojas.

The 2025 juxtaposition of "Ichiro HOF year" celebration with minimally-competitive M's; reminds 1st tier players that greatness goes to waste in Seattle. What's more, staying w/M's probably cost Felix his HOF shot.

History doesn't lie...

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BelltownE's avatar

Luke, I’m confused.

First you speak of Solano more successful when facing southpaws. Then the article focuses on him being the guy to relieve DMo against right handed bats?

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Luke Arkins's avatar

I’m not sure what the problem is. I pointed out Solano experienced more success vs LHP. But he had balanced platoon splits, which potentially provides Dan Wilson with an opportunity to use Moore less often against RHP than last year.

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