I've been campaigning for months, going on years, for the team to fire Bavasi. That doesn't mean I don't feel a little sad right now. I'm really disappointed that it has come to this.

Chris Antonetti in '08

Wow, Lincoln finally grew a pair, nice. Jose Vidro better have his suitcase packed next.

Adam mentioned it before I could, but I definitely could see Bedard going to New York. They're talking about trading for Sabathia, but they could wait and sign him in the offseason. With Bedard, they already get another season plus the strong possibility he'd be willing to work out a contract extension - unlike in Seattle. And Bedard would come far cheaper (for them) than Sabathia.
I think we could get one of their young pitchers and maybe a bat for Bedard.

All this goes to the heart of my long-running argument. This team needs to build with youth. It will be extremely difficult for this team to ever attract AND keep good free agents until it becomes a winner.
It's time to accept we're not going to the playoffs for another two or three years and build this organization right. We've got the stadium, the fans, the TV contract, the money ... we just need a GM who can manage it without blowing it on over-the-hill, overpriced head cases.

Getting rid of Bavasi was the first step. We've got a mountain to climb, but with a first-round pick next year, and a GM who knows talent better than Bavasi did, this thing can be turned around.

What is the benefit of having Ichiro in RF as opposed to CF? How does this improve the club?

The only player who should be completely off-limits is Felix. If they can get a haul for Ichiro, I'm all for it.

"Nothing is off limits" - including Lincoln and Armstrong themselves? Is it time to revive the whole hot seat thing again?

Adam - Do you trust these guys to get the correct haul for Ichiro?

John - I agree. FA is not going to be the best way to build this club.

It's just too bad we are one year and several good prospects (Jones, Tillman, Butler, Mickolio) of where we could be in the rebuilding process. The Bedard trade so far has been a complete loser.

Wait -

Their statement (as it pertains to players on the field) is to put Ichiro in right, and BLOOMQUIST in CF?

Hell - put Reed in CF and Wlad in left. Or, Reed in CF, and keep Raul in Left.

Or - HEY - put Reed in CF, Wlad in left and Raul at 1B or DH and have all their bats in the lineup at once!

The only reason Bloomquist should ever play is as a pinch runner, or when someone needs a day off.

"Nothing is off limits": Including Armstrong? Why should I feel comforted knowing that Armstrong will be "keeping a closer eye" on the player moves made by GM Lee? Sorry, Armstrong seems like a good 'ol boy to me.

Ichiro in right: Interesting!

Bavasi's thoughts on Guillen: Good on you for admitting it. Thanks, Bill.

BrianL wrote: “As much as it pains me to say it, I have a feeling I know who our new GM is going to be.
Wayne Krivsky.”

Given the individuals who will obviously be making this decision, that’s a pretty safe bet. It might be hard to sell his record in Cincinnati, though. I’m guessing that Gilllick will be back with them in some capacity next year. I just hope Frank Mattox doesn’t return as the head of scouting.

Jose Guillen's fiery leadership was not going to make Sexson better or stop Vidro from being a bad DH. The reason this team is not contending is that it lacks talent. It was poorly constructed. It lacks hitting, pitching and defense. It also is missing every single bit of luck from last year.

I'm not saying chemistry doesn't exist but if Bavasi really feels this team is bad because of chemistry I hope a division rival gives him a job right away.

Trade Ichiro. Apparently, hes starting in right field tonight. Apparently it is alleged on KJR, Bavasi had forced the selfish malcontent to move to center field. Great leader this primadonna is.

Larry Beinfest in '08

"Bavasi feels Guillen would have helped some of the problems he's seen in the clubhouse this season."

My God, he just doesn't get it, does he? Not even in the end. I really pity him. I would have hope that this would have at least been a learning experience. Unbelievable.

Wait - Resin, KJR is claiming that Bavasi's the only reason Ichiro is in CF?

I find that a little hard to believe given the fact that he re-signed with the team. If he'd had qualms about playing CF under a directive from Bavasi, I find it hard that he would have signed an extension.

"BLOOMQUIST in CF?" Yes, Mac must continue to find a way to get his .160 BA and 13 SO in 50 AB's into the lineup. ; )

Um, Resin---first if my source were KJR, I'd maybe want to get it checked out.

Ichiro was reluctant to move to CF but did. I don't think he was ever forced. (If he was I seriously doubt he would have re-signed with the Ms.) Are you saying that now because Bavasi's gone he's now demanded a move back to RF?

Resin you are a smart man. Trading Ichiro would drastically improve this club. starting him in right might be the start of auditioning him to the rest of Baseball. The intangibles need to be considered when discussing a player like Ichiro. He doesn't have them so dump him for a guy who does.

Moving Ichiro* back to right would be a disaster. It would be 2005 all over again, when we had Winn, Reed, and Ichiro combining for 24 total home runs. Pathetic.

Great job at the presser, Geoff. You had the best question of all and unfortunately the one we didn't want to hear the answer to. "Are you satisfied with Chuck's performance?" 23 Years of mediocrity from the President's office. He chose all of our Baseball minds. Why would he not choose more of the same veterans who've been through wars. I mean he even throws out a confusing Navy analogy that made no sense. His time is up. New blood please.

With the right guy dealing, the M's could rake at the trade deadline. I DO NOT think Pelakoudis is that guy. That's my main concern right now.

Memo to the new GM:

People will give you lots of reasons why Bavasi was fired. Whatever they, it boils down to this: he was terrible at evaluating talent. As a result, he made lousy trades. He did some good things too. The Ms farm system is in pretty good shape, thanks also to Fontaine and Engle.

Your first order of business will be to restore the Ms good name.

You will probably be well advised to turn over the entire roster, except Ichiro and Felix.

The franchise needs to open itself up to the public. We want honesty. Get rid of the mindless shills on radio and TV broadcasts. Mike Blowers, Krueger and Rizzs need to go. They are horrible.

Sexson, Vidro and Ibanez have outstayed their welcomes. Ibanez should be traded while he still has some value. DO NOT trade for Dontrelle Willis, Griffey or anyone who used to be good but now sucks.

You should expect a long rebuilding period. At least 3 years, if you’re lucky.

The manager and ALL the coaches need to be fired. They suck, as you will see.

Consider hiring Derek and Dave from USSM.

At least, listen to their advice.

Okay, let's talk about our in-house OFs for a second.

Ichiro is a slightly above average defensive CF, which translates into an excellent corner OF.

Reed is an average defensive CF, making him a pretty darn good corner OF.

Wlad is an average defensive corner-OF at best.

Boomquist is a below-average defensive CF and an average to slightly above average corner OF.

Raul is...Okay we don't need to discuss that.

So, as it stands, Ichiro is the best CF option on the club. Playing Willie in center is not a smart idea, because he can't cover as much of that left-center ground. If the Mariners can get a better defensive CF, then moving Ichiro back to RF makes sense. Until then, it isn't a good baseball move.

Lee Pelekoudas (4-1) Hard to imagine Pelekoudas getting the job on a permanent basis, considering they'll probably go outside the organization. But Pelekoudas got major props at the Bavasi press convference, and is being given a chance to make an impression. I also think he has as good a shot as anyone, because had there been a plan in place, the press conference would have also been to introduce the new GM.

Kim Ng (4-1) Very highly regarded, young, and has a good amount of experience in both LA and NY. The M's could definitely break from the old boys network with Ng

Chris Antonetti (7-1) A long time favorite of the USSM, and the current ASS. GM of the Cleveland Indians. Antonetti might not be available, depending on the contract he signed this last offseason with the Indians......also, like DePodesta and Forst below, his philossophy clashes with that of Chuck Armstrong and Howard Lincoln, the guys who will be filling the GM position. However, given the success of their previous choice, it may be to their benefit to be a touch more open minded about the next GM and his/her philosophy.

Paul Depodesta (10-1) Very good baseball mind, very bad people skills. DePodesta actually did a great time during his stint with the Dodgers, but ended up on the bad side of Tommy LaSorda and a few others. If the M's take a chance on DePodesta,, I think he returns them to prominence much faster than anyone on this list.

David Forst (12-1) Assistant GM to Billy Beane in Oakland....like the other SABEr guys on the list, it would take a major philosophy shift by the powers that be for Forst to get a shot...... but no one has worked closer to Beane than Forst, so those wanting a Billy Beane clone should be cheering this choice.

Dan Evans (15-1) Has a history with the M's, having served as a Special Ass. to Bill Bavasi in 2006 and 2007. If the M's insist on staying "old school", Evans could be the coice.

John Hart (25-1) Another "old school" ex-GM.......The former Red Sox and Indians GM is not a terrible choice, but he's also not the solution to the problem. .

Bob Watson (30-1) When Armstrong said he'd confer with Bud Selig (yikes) about possible candidates.....you can be sure two names that will be brought up are Kim Ng and Bob watson. Watson currently works for the Comissioners Office.....but no thank you, please.

Steve Phillips (50-1) Please God, noooooooooooooooo

Should be nice to see Bloomquist and Ibanez chase balls down in the gap tonight.

Mr. X

The M's outfield only has 16 home runs right now (reed, ichiro, ibanez, balentien). It's just one game, they're not moving bloomquist back to center fulltime. Who should the M's put in the outfield who has power? THEY DON"T HAVE ANYBODY!

Adam-it's speculation by the KJR announcers.

Mike-I always interpreted from the snippets of truth in news articles that Ichiro never wanted to move from right field. That he only moved when other players started signing mega contracts at the CF position. That's my opinion.

Mr.X- Agreed. This is a mistake to move Ichiro back to right field. Instead of Winn it will be Reed in left field, and we go back to 2004 all over again.

So it must be Lincoln in the photos that Willie has!

Good grief. Guillen is not some kind of Panacea, Bill. Letting him go was one of the less idiotic things you did in the offseason. It would have been better to offer him arbitration before cutting him lose, but I'm not crying about it otherwise.

One thing I wish someone would ask Lincoln and Armstrong is if the new GM will have more autonomy than his predecessors. The greatest sin this organization is guilty of committing, and why almost no one will have faith in Lincoln and Armstrong heading the hiring process, is hiring "yes" men as those two fools grew more and more involved in player personnel decisions..

Let me help you out with the Center Field issue...
We are all spoiled! We saw two of the best modern day Center Fielders in succession... Griffey and then Cameron. Only Tori Hunter, Beltran, Granderson, Sizemore, Hamilton and Jim Edmonds & Vernon Wells (in prime) could compare. They all possess that "6th Sense" where they could simply bird dog any fly ball or line drive with enough air under it.
Ichiro is clearly quick and fast enough, but does not go back on the ball like "we are all used to". I've seen too many balls land in play that would have been caught in the past few years.
Regardless, to answer the question... Without Jones there is no switch that is really going to help. The two kids (Balentien & Reed) need to both play everyday in the corner outfield spots. Raul needs to move back to the infield where he came up and play First Base. Clement needs to catch and DH, this is what he has been doing while he has been at AAA Tacoma.
We then need to get production from a few trades... Bedard, Vidro, JJ etc. Morrow is our new closer.
I totally agree with Geoff... Bedard is our modern day Mark Langston... Turns into a pumpkin at the 100 pitch count, yet strikes out a lot of batters. This means he is gone by the 6th or 7th inning.

Hear that Walla Walla Girl? Bill Bavasi admits that he should have listened to our Society for the Extension of Jose Guillen. Where is our President Frankie? .... probably well extended out on a ledge these days.

Maybe we CAN get a better defensive CF ("leave no stone unturned") and move Ichiro to right. Perhaps Ichiro will be rejuvenated in RF and improve his play overall. Why not shake it up a little? We don't have much to lose.

stop all of the negative talk. Let us just bask in the glow of one bavasi-less day

Starting Bloomquist in center isn't exactly the statement we want to see on the field. Everyone here agrees that Clement should be catching today, Wlad should be playing everyday, and Sexson and Vidro should be released.

They need to shop Bedard, Washburn, Batista, right now until the deadline. Bring up Feierabend to replace Washburn, and start Brandon Morrow in the rotation to replace Bedard.

They shouldn't be playing Cairo, Bloomquist, and Reed's.

Hey Capo,

Where's Larry Bienfest on your list of GM's?

BIENFEST in '09!!

scottM and Frankie, how about a toast to our (defunct) Society and to Bill? Enjoy this day. ;-)

Today, I have happy feet. :)

A toast indeed, WWG!

I actually respect the fact that Bavasi could admit that as a mistake. I think he would have named Sexson and Vidro, too, but since they are still with the team, that would have been a classless thing to do.

BIENFEST IN '09

Well, the good news is that with Ichiro going back to RF, we have Adam Jones to play CF, this should be.....wait, we don't have Jones anymore.

I want to hear all of you that thought this Bedard trade was a good idea admit you were wrong. I get very angry reading and hearing about how "no one saw this coming" when many of us were on this and other blogs saying it would.

You all know who you are, time to admit you were wrong.

Scott, give it up. The Adam Jones deal is done and we've already talked about it to death.

They are trying to keep Ichiro happy because when he gets traded to LAD and gets benched for attitude he'll remember what it's like. Torre is a manager who hates attitude because of his years in NY, I doubt he'll tolerate that crap now.

Trade Ichiro, they lose me (and a ton of other) fans. He's the only real player on the club and the closest thing they have to a captain.

Captains are supposed to lead and give the public hope. Ichiro does the opposite. If the manager has to talk about keeping the highest paid player on the team happy break out the diapers. If you are such a fair-weather fan that your fandom is contingent on Ichiro playing for the mariners then I wouldn't consider you a fan at all..

Typical Mariners. One good move followed by one bad move. Expect at least 4 more bad moves to follow.

As for GM replacement speculation, there is the blog's one and only Adam 2:1

As for experience, he was on a little league championship team, but with sabermetrics, who needs experience.

The alternative is to promote John McLaren, he is already beyond is capabilities, ala the Peters Principle.

I am happy to see that Bill came by to answer questions. That is much to his credit in my book. He is a baseball guy who has made a lot of errors. I'm happy he is no longer on our team but wish him well and better success in his next endeavor.

Jose Guillen has more heart and grit than this entire team put together at this point in time. Our outfield is a disaster zone and I wish he were in the lineup tonight. Jose would have made Bill’s & McLaren’s contrived BS meltdown look like Sunday school and the team would have benefited from his talent and fire. IMO.

Larry Beinfest would be on the list, but I see zero chance of him coming back to Seattle.

I honestly think it will be Ng or DePodesta....just my guess.......who do you guys think it will be? Do you think Pelekoudas keeps the job?

Bonehead Bill - still trying to hide behind the players "lack of self motivation" spin, what a joke.

Bavasi's comments about Guillen were interesting. Is he trying to say that he wanted to keep Jose and that it was the organizaiton that decided to not re-sign him?

Also, for what it's worth, KJR is saying McLaren has indicated Ichiro to RF may not be temporary and are also reporting that Jojima was seen working at 1B.

"Trade Ichiro. Apparently, hes starting in right field tonight. Apparently it is alleged on KJR, Bavasi had forced the selfish malcontent to move to center field. Great leader this primadonna is."

Well, if KJR said it, then no doubt it is true.

Spare me. Everyone attacks Ichiro for not wanting to play CF, and nobody says a peep about Ibanez not wanting to DH.

Always thought Ichiro played better in right, so godd to see that change.

Overall, finally something positive happening.

"Larry Beinfest would be on the list, but I see zero chance of him coming back to Seattle."

Out of curiousity, Capo, why do you say there is zero chance? (Hey, I don't want to rev up a HIRE BIENFEST campaign if it's a hopeless cause).

I also am surprised that no one has called BS on Armstrong's comment to the effect it could last into the offseason, as potential candidates have obligations to other teams.

Very rarely do you see teams block an assistant from taking a job opportunity like this......the A's might with Forst.....but Armstrong just strikes me as a dishonest, weasel type guy.....not taking any of the blame for this fiasco while claiming he and Lincoln saved baseball in Seattle.

My guess, Bavasi got canned due to the enormous fan unhappiness with the team. I think firing Bavasi wasn't a "spur of the moment" decision.....but I think its realistic to say the M's powers that be have no clue what the next move is, and have no plan currently in place.

....I don't remember the media (guys like Geoff) calling out the organization like they have the last couple of months, or fans booing like they did yesterday.....not to mention the fan rebellion on blogs like this and other places.

Faceplant it's all about money. $19 million a year for singles and constant attitude opens you up for attacks. No one should deny that Ichiro ranks with the best of them in terms of attitude.

"Torre is a manager who hates attitude because of his years in NY," Yeah, I sure remember him benching all of the over-inflated egos there..LOL Give it up. Ichiro is the one player who is higher on the food chain than Lincoln himself. Is he under achieving this year? Yes. But there are 24 other guys whose numbers are worse.

I think Beinfest has a great job with the Marlins.......and I don't think he'd leave to take this job, given that position and the positions the Marlins and Mariners find themselves in.

I'd be all for him coming back, I think he did a great job with the Marlins.

Mr. X now hiding behind the Anti-Ichiro League, you are a one man band - same old worn out tune, Ichiro....sucks. Learn some calculus and solve that mystery called life.

"Faceplant it's all about money. $19 million a year for singles and constant attitude opens you up for attacks.

Yet manages to hang with almost every superstar on the planet in RC, EQA, VORP etc... all while providing above average CF defense, and spectacular corner outfield defense.

"No one should deny that Ichiro ranks with the best of them in terms of attitude."

Constant attitude? Why don't you show me examples of Ichiro's horrible attitude that aren't made up entirely of speculation, and innuendo.

Bavasi truly had to go but Lincoln and Armstrong are the true architects of this disaster. Take responsibilty and quit.

That was my point, in LA Torre isn't being yelled at by Hank and Hank Jr, so he can make those decisions. Maybe if Ichiro goes to Philly he'll get the kind of management he needs. But everyone who points to Ichiro's individual acheivements is proving the point I always make. Ichiro doesn't give two shits about the M's and if you look at his career with Orix then you will see a similar pattern. The two years they won the Pacific League championship he was a minor player (not the star). I want to see the M's go back to contention but they can't do that if they don't rebuild. Ichiro isn't the person we need to rebuild around. BTW Jose Lopez is having a far superior season to #51. He's one of the guys we need to rebuild around.

With your self admitted references - " I want..." - you are no League, Mr. X. You know X is an integer for the unknown that's why you need calculus to solve your lifeless mystery.

And don't tell me you were an X cap to commemorate Malcolm X, you've got no semblance of him.

Ichiro has never done a press conference without a translator. He's been here 8 years, he speaks english better than Carlos Silva. Thats the kind of attitude that Im talking about. Body language is also a dead give away. if you actually attend a game then you can see the interaction between him and the coaches and players. The President and Nacy Pelosi are more comfortable with eachother. Baseball is a team sport people, we need to improve this team not pay someone to produce numbers that don't equate to wins.

"That was my point, in LA Torre isn't being yelled at by Hank and Hank Jr, so he can make those decisions." Really? Who has he benched or sent down because of attitude? One of the knocks on him in NY was that his soft treatment of players. Not to mention, he answered to the boss, not Hank.

X factor I assure you that I am Not Mr. X. Just because you are too stupid to realize that Ichiro does need to be traded.

You can even solve a simple X based equation, Mr. X, we don't need your right wing politics here either.

Ichiro comes from a very different worldview, it is very apparent when you here him speak. He cannot be expected to lead this team, his cultural translation is much different from one modern European language to another.

Mr. X like so many of your right wing brethren you promote mono-culture at the expense of diversity. Ichiro has put up exceptional numbers for this team, how can you ask him to do anything more? You need to get your attitude checked - there is a dude hiding in your hometown - Washington, DC - who will fix you up. Go see her! Names Nancy.

I'll admit when im wrong. Torre was a bad example. He's in LAD and doesn't have alot of guys to give him attitude there. I amend my statement then, He needs to go to Philly where the MVP gets benched for not running 100% of the time.

"Just because you are too stupid to realize that Ichiro does need to be traded." There must be a whole lotta supid people out there then ; ) If Ichiro tells Yamauchi he wants out, he's out. Otherwise, ain't gonna happen.

"Ichiro doesn't give two shits about the M's and if you look at his career with Orix then you will see a similar pattern. The two years they won the Pacific League championship he was a minor player (not the star)."

Orix won the Pacific League championship in 1995, and 1996.

In 1995 Ichiro put up a .342/.417/.544 line.

In 1996 he put up a .356/.416/.504 line.

I'd call that a major player. So you are either lying, or you just don't have a clue what you are talking about.

"Ichiro isn't the person we need to rebuild around. BTW Jose Lopez is having a far superior season to #51."

So far in 2008 Ichiro is hitting .295/.358/.386.

Lopez is hitting .293/.308/.413.

Far superior? Right....

Go troll somewhere else.

Capo, great list and comments, but you're missing Pat Gillick. With his contract up at the end of this season, there's a good chance he might come here too. I'd probably rate him a 7-1 shot.

I think Beinfest is probably a 12-1 shot.

I wonder if any of them would keep the manager and coaches in tact if they were hired?

PS Mr. X - Why be anti anything on this glorious day when the organization has wised up to Bonehead Bill? Live a little, dance a little and enjoy the moment, its been a long time coming.

My hometown is Issaquah. X factor Mr. X is not my true name. He is a much better speller. There are many people who want Ichiro gone here. I'm sorry that I am a traditionalist in that i want the "face of the franchise" to lead the team. I do want there to be one culture in the Mariners club house, a winning one. and a non-leader with the biggest paycheck doesn't create one.

"Ichiro has never done a press conference without a translator. He's been here 8 years, he speaks english better than Carlos Silva. Thats the kind of attitude that Im talking about."

What do post game interviews have to do with his performance, or his teammates perception of him.

"Body language is also a dead give away. if you actually attend a game then you can see the interaction between him and the coaches and players."

Right, now your down to trying to read his mind through body language. I've attended plenty of games, and he is no different than any other player.

"Baseball is a team sport people, we need to improve this team not pay someone to produce numbers that don't equate to wins."

Yeah, because it's Ichiro's fault that Jose Vidro, Richie Sexson, along with other players, all suck. Ichiro isn't the reason we are losing.

Now, go troll somewhere else. You obviously are grasping at straws.

I think Beinfest has a great job with the Marlins.......and I don't think he'd leave to take this job, given that position and the positions the Marlins and Mariners find themselves in.

Thanks, but I thought maybe you had something more substantive than that, Capo. You'd better put him on your odds list. There's a little thing called money that might be a big persuader considering that Bienfest is the GM for the cheapest owner in MLB.

HIRE BIENSTEIN IN '09!!!

Maybe Coco Crisp in center. Who knows?

Please no. We have that in Reed minus the batting average and speed. Lol.

They should have never sub-divided that Weyerhauser land, pity it has to go to anti-dudes like you.

"I do want there to be one culture in the Mariners club house, a winning one. and a non-leader with the biggest paycheck doesn't create one."

You know what creates a "winning attitude"? Having talented players who actually win baseball games. It isn't outspoken gritty veterans giving fiery speeches.

"When Armstrong said he'd confer with Bud Selig (yikes) about possible candidates....."

WHAT!?
Can anyone tell me what on God's green Earth business Bud Selig has discussing possible GM candidates?!
Why would that phone call even be made?!
That right there.... makes me think.... if Bud Selig has say into who our GM is.... then MLB is as fixed as the NBA.

OK I lost. This still isn't Mr. X btw. I still stick to my guns that Ichiro needs to go because of his lack of leadership and his trade value. You guys win, I lose. I am very happy that Big Bill is gone but thats not enough.

The most interesting note on this thread is the rumor of Kenji working out at 1st!

Well, I'm not entirely sure on the rules, but they made need permission from the comissioners office in order to contact people who are currently under contract with other teams.

Who's that fat guy in the picture with the ponytail, looking at his phone?

I'd be all for trading Ichiro, but only in the right deal....it wouldn't be about "prospects", it would have to be 2-3 young guys, under club control for a few years, and at least one more good prospect.

No one on this roster, including Felix and ichiro, should be off the table if it makes us a much better team.

Just what we need, another low hitting first basemen. What ever happened to the notion that first, third were power production positions?

Is this more of McLaren's management plan? The guy is a baseball genius!

From what I heard Pat Gillick has no interest being a GM anymore. I believe he signed that baseball and passed it on to Philly ownership that he was done at the start of this season.

Larry Beinfest in '08.

Beinfest has 1 World series ring (2003), Antonetti has zero.

:)

Thank you Capo. The M's want to win then they should be willing to do anything to do it.

You guys are wasting your time. Give up on this team. This team will never win a championship with the owner and front office we've got. Bavasi was terrible but he wasn't the only problem. This organization is a loser. They had a chance in 2001 at the trading deadline tog o out and get a bat. As I recall, the Tigers were asking for Ryan Anderson in exchange for Juan Gonzalez. And the Mariners didn't pull the trigger. I refused to watch them ever since.

If the Mariners can't win the world series in 2001 it ain't going to happen. Do you honestly think we will ever win a pennant in the AL with Theo Epstein in Boston and the Yankees? Seattle is a second rate team with third rate management.

Oklahoma City can have the Mariners too

On the Kim Ng sweepstakes for GM...

I see zero chance of that happening. The market for GMs will be getting pretty hot in a minute, now that Bavasi has been shown the door.

The next GM that flies south for the winter is Ned Coletti, and I see Ng as the natural successor in that scenario. If the M's don't get permission from the Dodgers to speak with her when they ask, then Ned will need to pay a casual check-in with a moving company.

I think that Ned is in the final year of his contract, so I don't see the Dodgers moving him out until end of season. At any rate, it behooves the M's to move on a GM while they have an open window without competition.

My gut feel is that they have someone in mind, and he/she will probably be in place no later than end of August.

Right now, I see the following openings (potentially) coming into play...

1) Mariners
2) Dodgers
3) Blue Jays? (Ricciardi can't finish last and survive)
4) Padres? (Towers is about due for retirement)
5) Rangers? (Daniels is one bad streak away)

The M's don't want to risk being in the middle of a potentially clogged market for GMs...

don't get me wrong, i love Ichiro....i don't know about the attitude or any of the other stuff.....I see a quiet professional who plays hard, doesn't complain, and who makes things happen......

but

At the same time, I don't think Ichiro is a superstar, or at this point in his career someone to build around. I think he has great value to a team that need a high quality CF/RF and leadoff hitter.

It just boils down to the fact that no one should be off the table if its going to make the M's better and deeper.

Erik Bedard to the Yankees by July 1st.

Anything within reason and moral rectitude, win responsibly, which in this case means, you do not have to trash Ichiro to make a case to trade him. Trade him if there is a good deal on the table, it is not about making him look bad, but about making the team younger and building a winner for the future.

Capo -

I like your choices for GM, but I'm skeptical that Lincoln and Armstrong are that innovative. They hired Bavasi, who admittedly, does have a perfect record of never reaching the playoffs in 10+ seasons.

It may be that my cynicism is wrong, and I would love that. We need a GM who is not stuck in the dark ages, but is innovative (a dirty word with the M's in recent years, as uncommon as "winning" and "playoffs."

YAH THE PURGE BEGINS!!

BRING ON THE YOUNG GUYS FROM AAA!!!

I have been blogging to have Ichiro move back to RF for the last 1-2 weeks. But, I had Reed as the primary CF and Charlton Jimerson playing some against tuff lefties. I love Jimerson energy and he can steal bases coming off the bench. My LF is Diaz primarly with Ibanez playing some times against tuff righties. Otherwise Ibanez should be the DH! Not playing the OF so much should help Ibanez, he won't be beat up running into walls and diving for balls. LaHair should be brought up to play 1st base. Also, Clement needs to be brought up to be the main catcher and DH some. These young guys, and more, are our future, lets get them up here in the Bigs so maturation process can begin.

I have confidence that in a short time by running more with our young players, putting things in motion, being smart with platooning for better match ups, it will increase the enthusium on this team and we start scoring more run!! Botton Line-- Build a Winning Attitude!!

Finally, Balentine needs to go back to AAA and get his groove back. We need this guy in our future

This Anti-Ichiro guy has lost his mind! I agree that no one should be off the table but I doubt that Mr. Y will let go of his guy. Ichiro is a guy that needs to be saved, he's the last best hope for this organization.

I see a quiet professional who plays hard, doesn't complain, and who makes things happen......

Ichiro has been on record since 2001 that American baseball lacks working on fundamentals like they do in Japan. Yet, Ichiro is one of the team's worst baserunners.

Ichiro has also complained to Mr. Yamauchi of the clubhouse
card playing during spring training.

During the WBC Ichiro claimed that he would defeat Korea so bad that there would be no chance the Koreans would beat Japan for the next 30 years. He was openly giving high fives and loudly interacting with his teammates during the WBC, then reverted back to his rock star persona with the M's.

Suzuki once complained, "I could hit .400, and still Matsui would get more attention.

No doubt about it, Ichiro is a complainer.

Man,

Don't you just wish they could get in the DeLorean, go back 2 months and not extend Kenji's contract for no conceivable reason.

At least there's an argument to be made for the Bedard trade... I know everyone on here seem to hate him, but he's been mostly effective, and I think he's poised for a tremendous rest of the season. But - there is not, nor has there ever been, nor will there ever be - a cogent argument for the Johjima extension.

Thank you Resin. The WBC is a perfect example of the real Ichiro. Lets ship him off and get some guys to turn this baby around.

Nice to hear Lincoln intimate the organization's disappointment with the results of the Bedard trade.

The WBC example is out of context, Ichiro was playing together with his countrymen, the communication was understood by all, it was derived from the same cultural context, one that is familiar and not foreign. As for Korea, there is right or wrong a long standing antipathy for Koreans among the Japanese - something like a German versus French rivalry.

With the Mariners, Ichiro is a professional ballplayer and he is serious in his role. This whole player based leadership thing is way overblown. In recent times, it originated with Bonehead Bill and Johnny Mac trying to save their sorry asses - well Bill got his handed to him today, lets hope Johnny is next.

Chris Antonetti is young and coveted by many teams. It will take a good amount to land him after turning down St. Louis. Beinfest may very well come back to Seattle. Why not? Not like he didn't like the city. Oakland asst GM David Frost is also a guy the Mariners have to look at. It would be nice to take a division rival's young, stud assistant. I don't know if he is ready to be a GM though. Frost was pushing the A's to aquire Kevin Youkalis hard during the off-season. Good call. Nevertheless, Antonetti fits the mold because he has had more experience. Overall, I don't think Beinfest could be had earlier than November. He will most likely take a look at other GM positions out there and will be a high-priced free agent. Antonetti maybe able to come in much quicker. Throw him whatever he needs and get him in quick. We need someone new at the helm quickly. I am not saying go out right away and hire whoever is available, but the sooner the better.

"Yet, Ichiro is one of the team's worst baserunners."

When you are stealing bases at over a 90% clip, you aren't going to convince anyone that he's a bad baserunner. Any mistake he makes going from first to third is easily made up for by his ridiculous success rate at stealing bases. That has enormous value.

"Ichiro has also complained to Mr. Yamauchi of the clubhouse
card playing during spring training."

Uh, no he didn't. The Seattle P-I reported that Ichiro complained of clubhouse card playing in an interview with the Kyodo News Service. This is what the interviewer had to say...

"The P-I reported Ichiro was upset to see teammates playing cards in the clubhouse, and was disappointed that coaches allowed it. Konishi says he never asked Ichiro about card playing and that the conclusion in the article was only Konishi's opinion."

"Suzuki once complained, "I could hit .400, and still Matsui would get more attention."

Ichiro was complaining about the fact that the Giants had almost every game televised, while the Blue Wave only had a few. He was being sarcastic. But leave it up to you to not put it in context.

I'm surprised by how many people hate the Bedard trade. He's not pitched as poorly as the overpaid (Batista and Silva) and in a couple of his losses we scored 0 or 1 run for him. Bavasi needed fired (long ago if you ask me), McLaren isn't the guy so he needs to go back to bench coach or be fired. Vidro, Sexson needed gone after last season. If Ichiro is happier in right field then let him play right, the new GM needs to get off his butt and get a CF and move Balentien to LF or trade for Griffey and put him in LF. That statue in left Raul Ibanez needs to go and they need to bring back up Jeff Clement, even if he struggles you know his batting avg will be better than Sexson or Bloomquists. This team needs a complete overhaul

brilliant...quoting anything from the morons on the radio...why don't you qoute say the afternoon guy the wsu idiot

Nice play richie!!!

This Anti-Ichiro guy is my roommate btw. I kicked him off the comp so you won't be hearing his bullcrap for a while.

Niehaus and Valle suggested that tonight begins a new season, this conclusion is nonsense, the removal of Bavasi will make no difference with the current team's play. Bavasi is responsible for assembling this mess, but he did not manage them and had little influence on their day to day play.

A new season will begin when some of the deadbeats - Sexson, Vidro and others - are DFAed or moved. In fact, the manager is a greater influence on player performance than the GM - dismiss McLaren and then you can call it a new season. Start the rebuilding and play the youth, then you will have a new season.

Odd stat of the night:

Florida Marlins BAs:
.287
.269
.291
.245
.285
.274
.250
.222
.248

Mariners BAs:
.295
.293
.219
.227
.262
.212
.231
.160
.284

The Marlins are 5 games over .500 and 3.5 back from the Phillies. We all know where our Mariners are at. Take out WB's .160 and put in WBal.'s .196 and both teams are still posting starting rostes with all 9 players .300. Take out their DH and put in the pitcher and you get a regular 8 all under .300 yet we are so far off their record it isn't funny anymore.

Anyone care to venture a guess why?

The kid from North Carolina - Andrew Miller - has the familiar look of Cy Young, might we expect another shutout down by two already.

Lets have some more repercussions - Fire Johnny Mac, DFA Sexson and Vidro - let have some more sacrifices.

Where the hell did all this Ichiro hate come from?

Stop blowing beltre after a routine play and stop sucking up to bavasi. he was just fired, they should be calling him out for his failures.

Great. Send an inexperienced, interim GM into the team's biggest trade deadline in years where we have to assume, the short and long term futures of the organization will be decided based on the quality of prospects acquired.

Fellow M's fans, prepare to get fleeced.

I hate seeing Lincoln and Armstrong on that podium, they are the ones who need to be replaced.

Bavasi did indeed have to go. Very tough job. Everybody wanted Beltre, and he HAD to make the Bedard trade. What's funny is Lincoln and Armstrong selling themselves as large-and-in-charge for canning Bavasi, who leaves with one more World Series ring than they have. Cut them loose next. Time to cut out the "kids aren't ready to play" paranoia. Cut loose the retreads, on the field and off. Bring in leadership that will PREPARE the kids to play.

My email sent to: hlincoln@seattlemariners.com; carmstrong@seattlemariners.com

Howard,

Here’s what you said in November 2006:

"The entire organization, and especially me, is on the hot seat. I thought long and hard about continuing with Bill and (manager Mike Hargrove, who quit in 2007). I'm putting my neck out on the line because I believe in them. I've made it clear to the ownership group that, having made the decision, I'm fully responsible for it."

Why not do the honorable thing, and step down? YOU YOURSELF say, ‘I’m fully responsible for it.’

Or, was this just more corporate lip service… with no teeth?

Lee is probably a nice guy. However, you and Chuck have been the constants… and the Mariners have NEVER won.

You ran off Pinella, now he’s in first place. You ran off Melvin, he won Manager of the Year. And you “stuck your neck out” for Hargrove, and he quit (for whatever reason).

You guys are in the business of protecting the bottom line, which you do very well. However, you have no knowledge of how to cross the finish line… in first place. Look at Ruskell and the Seahawks for an example.

I DO THANK YOU GUYS for saving baseball in Seattle. You made it happen.

However, it’s now time for management who can field a consistent winner that this fan base now deserves… we’ve proven ourselves with our support.

More importantly, it’s time for management that is personally accountable… and doesn’t pass the buck with firing a no-name hitting coach and hands-tied General Manager (hands tied in that I’m sure Bavasi wasn’t the person clamoring for and negotiating Jojhima’s contract. Heck, he might not even had knowledge of it.)

Until then, we’re dumping our season tickets.

By the way, this season has been a VERY BAD INVESTMENT for us. There are literally games we can’t get more than $10 a ticket for our seats.

Tom C.
Normandy Park, WA