SB Nation Seattle - Mariners Acquire Jesus Montero From Yankees, Miss On Prince Fielderhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48997/seattle-fave.png2012-01-25T05:02:00-08:00http://seattle.sbnation.com/rss/stream/22881862012-01-25T05:02:00-08:002012-01-25T05:02:00-08:00Seattle Mariners Unlikely To Make Big Move With Prince Fielder In Detroit
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I7qdsgWJWQQ5zEwLPrG5Kt2hhNI=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828133/large_seattle.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Mariners</a> had been linked to slugging first baseman <span>Prince Fielder</span> throughout most of the offseason, but the rumors finally came to an end on Tuesday as the All-Star signed a nine-year deal with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> for upwards of $200 million dollars. With Fielder finally off the board, will the Mariners pursue any other notable free agents? Probably not, mostly because there aren't any out there that make a whole lot of sense.</p>
<p>Other than a utility player or corner outfielder there really aren't any impact bats left that would help the Mariners lineup, according to <a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/" target="_blank">MLB Trade Rumors</a>. The club could look to add a veteran starting pitcher or two, although it appears Jack Zduriencik is committed to rebuilding the franchise with young players and prospects. A veteran relief pitcher or two could be added, especially once their asking prices drop with Spring Training on the horizon.</p>
<p>The lack of moves may not be one that is appealing to M's fans, although the team appears to be headed in the right direction, even if they didn't land a big-time free agent like Prince Fielder.</p>
<p><i>To discuss the Mariners with other fans, head on over to <a href="http://lookoutlanding.com" target="_blank">Lookout Landing</a>.</i></p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-mariners/2012/1/25/2731715/seattle-mariners-offseason-news-trade-rumors-mlb-free-agencyScott Coleman2012-01-13T16:42:04-08:002012-01-13T16:42:04-08:00Seattle Mariners Trade Michael Pineda To New York Yankees For Jesus Montero, According To Reports
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I7qdsgWJWQQ5zEwLPrG5Kt2hhNI=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828133/large_seattle.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Seattle Mariners</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a> were reportedly discussing a deal surrounding star catching prospect <span>Jesus Montero</span> and potential ace starting pitcher <span>Michael Pineda</span>. Seldom do even whispers of a deal surrounding young players like these two ever come out, but some are even saying the deal is indeed done. Here is how things shaped up on Twitter:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center">
<p>The <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523Mariners">#Mariners</a> are moving closer to a trade for a young impact hitter, two baseball sources confirmed.</p>
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) <a data-datetime="2012-01-13T23:58:33+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/jcrasnick/status/157974847232802816">January 13, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<p>And then this one:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center">
<p>Trying to confirm report out of Dominican that <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523Mariners">#Mariners</a>-<a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523Yankees">#Yankees</a> on verge of trade involving Michael Pineda and Jesus Montero.</p>
— Greg Johns (@GregJohnsMLB) <a data-datetime="2012-01-14T00:28:11+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/GregJohnsMLB/status/157982303774187520">January 14, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<p>And finally the confirmation (we think):</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center">
<p>montero is traded for pineda</p>
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeymanCBS/status/157984607516639232" data-datetime="2012-01-14T00:37:20+00:00">January 14, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>If everything pans out, this is a huge deal for both the Mariners and the Yankees. Seattle would receive a player capable of being the best offensive catcher in baseball for years to come, while New York gets a proven starter with ace-like stuff on the mound.</p>
<p>Stay tuned, folks. There are reportedly two other players involved in the deal, although they are unknown at this time.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Mariners, head on over to <a target="_blank" href="http://lookoutlanding.com">Lookout Landing</a>.</i></p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-mariners/2012/1/13/2706029/seattle-mariners-new-york-yankees-trade-rumors-jesus-montero-michael-pinedaScott Coleman2012-01-11T18:26:45-08:002012-01-11T18:26:45-08:00Spring Training 2012: Seattle Mariners Pitchers & Catchers Report Feb. 11, Full Squad Feb. 18
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I7qdsgWJWQQ5zEwLPrG5Kt2hhNI=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828133/large_seattle.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Seattle Mariners</a> are one month from the start of their 2012 season as it was announced today by Major League Baseball the<a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120111&content_id=26317646&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb" target="_blank"> first workout dates</a> for all MLB teams, with the Mariners pitchers and catchers reporting February 11 and the rest of the squad on February 18. </p>
<p>Pitchers and catchers will have their first workout the day after they report on Feb. 12, while the full squad will have their first workout on the day after they report, on Feb. 19.</p>
<p>With all the waves the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Los Angeles Angels</a> of Anaheim have been making this offseason, and the back-to-back AL West champion <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a> to deal with in their division, it's easy to see why the M's are the earliest teams to begin Spring Training, getting almost an extra week of work in before the rest of the league begins. </p>
<p><b><i>For more news and notes on the Mariners offseason, make sure the check out <a href="http://www.lookoutlanding.com" target="_blank">Lookout Landing</a>, the place to be for everything Mariner on the interweb. </i></b></p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-mariners/2012/1/11/2701110/spring-training-2012-seattle-mariners-pitchers-catchers-report-feb-11Ernie Pomin2012-01-04T12:04:30-08:002012-01-04T12:04:30-08:00Seattle Mariners Offseason News: Ichiro Under 'Mental Stress' Last Season, According to Report
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I7qdsgWJWQQ5zEwLPrG5Kt2hhNI=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828133/large_seattle.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p><a href="http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/45864913/ns/sports-baseball/" target="new">According to <span class="caps">NBC</span> Sports, </a>Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki was under some ‘mental stress’ during the season last year due to the fact that his 10-year long 200 hit record fell to the wayside and missed out on his 11th gold glove and 11th All-Star appearance of his illustrious career.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“I felt desperate last season,” Suzuki told the Nikkan Sports newspaper. “That doesn’t happen to me very often. Mental stress is a lot worse than physical stress…If I can get two or three hits every day, I never feel tired, one hit relieves my stress, it’s better than an hour of massage.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Some critics feel that his age is finally keeping up with the seemingly ageless 38 year old, which may very well be the case. Either way, Ichiro’s resume here in <span class="caps">MLB</span> alone is enough to call him one of the greatest to ever play, and undoubtedly a future Hall of Famer.</p>
<p><em><strong>For more on the Mariners, head over to <a href="http://www.lookoutlanding.com" target="new">Lookout Landing</a>. </strong></em></p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-mariners/2012/1/4/2682428/seattle-mariners-offseason-news-ichiro-under-mental-stressErnie Pomin2012-01-04T11:26:54-08:002012-01-04T11:26:54-08:00Seattle Mariners Offseason News: Free Agent David Aardsma Thorws For First Time
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I7qdsgWJWQQ5zEwLPrG5Kt2hhNI=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828133/large_seattle.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Seattle Mariners</a> right handed relief pitcher <span>David Aardsma</span> took a big step in his rehabilitation after Tommy John surgery Wednesday, throwing for the first time since the injury according to his <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/#!/TheDA53/status/154599564429623296">twitter account</a>:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>I just got done throwing for the first time. 5 minutes at 45 feet. It feels great to be throwing again, you start realizing what all this ..</p>
— David aardsma (@TheDA53) <a data-datetime="2012-01-04T16:26:23+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/TheDA53/status/154599564429623296">January 4, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<p>This is a big step for Aardsma, but still is early in the process as it usually takes 12-18 months to completely recover from Tommy John surgery. When he does eventually return, he will likely be used as a middle reliever to prove himself before he gets a chance to close again. He will probably need a new team as well, seeing that he opted for free agency <a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2016658824_mari01.html" target="_blank">back in October</a>. </p>
<p><b><i>For more in depth discussion and analysis of the Seattle Mariners, makre sure you chek out <a href="http://www.lookoutlanding.com" target="_blank">Lookout Landing</a> to get your fix and show off your fanhood. </i></b></p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-mariners/2012/1/4/2682292/seattle-mariners-offseason-news-free-agent-david-aardsma-thorws-forErnie Pomin2011-12-23T07:00:50-08:002011-12-23T07:00:50-08:00Prince Fielder To Seattle? Logan Morrison Trolls Twitter With False Rumor
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I7qdsgWJWQQ5zEwLPrG5Kt2hhNI=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828133/large_seattle.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p><span>Prince Fielder</span> is a hot commodity right now and is the last big-name free agent remaining on the market. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Seattle Mariners</a> are reportedly in love with the slugging first baseman, but conflicting reports are coming in surrounding which club leads the Fielder sweepstakes.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/teams/florida-marlins">Marlins</a> outfielder <span>Logan Morrison</span> is an active tweeter and is known for his shenanigans, but he still managed to send Twitter into a flux with a few of his tweets surrounding Prince and the Mariners. Unfortunately for the M's they were quickly debunked by many (including himself, eventually), but they were still fun. We have those tweets after the page jump...</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center">
<p>Just heard from my boy that Prince to Seattle is a done deal...</p>
— Logan Morrison (@LoMoMarlins) <a data-datetime="2011-12-22T22:15:32+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/LoMoMarlins/status/149976390580699136">December 22, 2011</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>And for the response...</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center">
<p>Oh $hit, you guys thought I meant the 1B from Milwaukee. My bad. (I love all of you. Happy Holidays!)</p>
— Logan Morrison (@LoMoMarlins) <a data-datetime="2011-12-22T22:52:15+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/LoMoMarlins/status/149985630829547520">December 22, 2011</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>LoMo was talking about Prince the musician, who is supposedly touring again. Not a bad joke if it was original, but Morrison pulled something similar with <span>Albert Pujols</span> a few weeks ago. Still, though, it's not good to joke with hard luck Mariners fans.</p>
<p>It's anyone's guess where Fielder end up, but it sounds like the Mariners have as good of a chance as anyone. For more on the team and their pursuit of the All-Star, head on over to <a href="http://lookoutlanding.com" target="_blank">Lookout Landing</a>.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-mariners/2011/12/23/2656999/mlb-trade-rumors-prince-fielder-seattle-marinersScott Coleman2011-12-14T08:02:05-08:002011-12-14T08:02:05-08:00Prince Fielder Rumors: Seattle Mariners Hoping To Land Free Agent Slugger
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I7qdsgWJWQQ5zEwLPrG5Kt2hhNI=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828133/large_seattle.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>There is no hiding the fact that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Seattle Mariners</a> want to make a splash this offseason. The organization already has a few pieces in place to restore the team back to its glory days and the addition of a superstar slugger like <span>Prince Fielder</span> would be absolutely huge for both attendance and on-field production. According to the <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/teams-still-in-market-to-sign-prince-fielder-and-who-is-not-121311" target="_blank">latest update</a> from Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports, the Mariners are one of the few teams bidding for his services:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>If Fielder signed with the team that wanted him the most, he would become a Mariner tomorrow. The franchise must reassert its relevancy after consecutive last-place finishes and an accompanying sag in attendance. Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik drafted Fielder in Milwaukee. But there are three strikes against Seattle: No big-league city is farther from Orlando; the team lacks an obvious candidate to offer lineup protection; and the Mariners are more than a few players away from becoming a playoff team.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Morosi goes on to list the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> as the favorites to land Fielder for a multitude of reasons, although it has been rumored that new GM Theo Epstein does not feel comfortable handing out a monster contract just a few weeks into his tenure in Chicago. </p>
<p>He also brings up a fair amount of questions with Seattle. While the franchise certainly has the funds available to make Fielder a filthy rich man, they are unlikely to be in playoff contention until 2013 at the earliest. For a player who has been on the cusp of a World Series appearance the last few seasons, he may not want to head into the bottom half of the AL West for the foreseeable future.</p>
<p>There is also the national exposure issue; with Seattle being isolated and having many of the games played once those on the east coast have already gone to sleep, Prince may not want to play in front of only a local market. Should he go to Chicago or Baltimore, he would be in the limelight on a nightly basis.</p>
<p>It is unclear at this time which team leads for Fielder, but we should have a much better idea in the coming days. Stay tuned, Mariners fans.</p>
<p><i>For more on the M's, head on over to <a href="http://lookoutlanding.com" target="_blank">Lookout Landing</a>.</i></p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-mariners/2011/12/14/2635051/mlb-rumors-free-agents-prince-fielder-seattle-marinersScott Coleman2011-11-27T20:16:34-08:002011-11-27T20:16:34-08:00Seattle Mariners Offseason News: Mariners Trade For John Jaso
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I7qdsgWJWQQ5zEwLPrG5Kt2hhNI=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828133/large_seattle.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Seattle Mariners</a> have made their first big move of the offseason, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111127&content_id=26045430&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb">MLB.com</a>. On Sunday, Seattle sent reliever <span>Josh Lueke</span> to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Tampa Bay Rays</a> in exchange for catcher <span>John Jaso</span>.</p>
<p>Jaso, a 6'2" left-handed-hitting backstop, is coming off of his first full major-league season, in which he started 67 games behind the plate while batting .224 in 246 at-bats with 15 doubles, five homers and 27 RBI. Jaso is expected to provide added depth in a catching platoon with <span>Miguel Olivo</span> and <span>Adam Moore</span>, both right-handed batters.</p>
<p>Pitcher Josh Lueke came to the M's as part of the <span>Cliff Lee</span> deal in 2010. During his 2011 rookie campaign with Seattle, he made 25 appearances and posted a 6.06 ERA in 32.2 innings.</p>
<p>This looks to be a pretty good deal for the Mariners, as it adds versatility to their depth chart at catcher for a low cost, particularly in a 2011 free agent season that is exceptionally thin on catching talent.</p>
<p><i><b>To discuss the trade and keep up with all things Mariners, please visit the incomparable <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Lookout Landing</a>.</b></i></p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-mariners/2011/11/27/2591240/seattle-mariners-offseason-news-john-jaso-trade-josh-luekeBill Hanstock