any Mariner's fan surprised?

The house cleaning has begun, and now it is turn to send out some players for re-assignment. When MacLaren guaranteed at the beginning of the year that Richie Sexson was going to be the "comeback player of the year" you knew the handwriting was on the wall. The Big Stiff needs to follow his manager and be released for re-aasigment.

Johnny Mac was a good man and bench coach, but not a motivator or manager. It is time for a good lod fashioned Florida fire sale. Look what the Marlins have done with the fire sale twice in the last 10 years, and look how they re-built.

1) JJ Putz could have been pretty valuable to many teams, but now he has arm trouble, which makes Morrow the new valuable commodity

2) Balentin & Clement were great prospects in AAA, but their struggles (albeit short in tenure) have decreased their value to other teams

3) The Mariners got rid of one of their best pitching prospects and a potential All-star outfielder for Bedard. Basically they sacrificed their rebuilding for a short-term run at a AL West title.

4) Lopez could be an asset on the market, Ichiro would be a welcome addition to any team, and maybe Beltre & Ibanez could get some interest in places like Philly, Minnesota, or even the Dodgers.

5) There is no market for Sexson, Cairo, Vidro, Washburn, etc and the Mariners should just cut their ties with them and let the youngsters play and get the experience.

Basically the Mariners need to put a competitive team on the field and the fans will be happy. If we had a team like Florida that was in the running every year and once in a while made a run at the World Series, the fans in Seattle (including myself) would pack Safeco Field!!!

First off, there would be pretty good market for Beltre.  I can't believe the number of people that figure he is a bust because he never matched his .330/40+/130+ season prior to signing with the Mariners.   The fact of the matter is he is the best fielding thirdbaseman in baseball and a good hitter.   Many teams will take on his gold glove and 5-6 hole production in a heartbeat.....when it comes to the pennant race teams will step up if that is the approach the Mariners want to take.  He only has 1 more year on his contract so I don't think that will be much concern.  Frankly, I would actually like him to be one of the guys they build around....

Second point is that I think it would be stupid to release Sexson or Vidro.  The fact is that at the end of the year they will be gone anyway, and you have to pay them whether they are on the roster or not.  The other thing is that you will receive a supplemental 1st round pick for each in next years draft if they sign with someone.  Now, if you think they won't get an offer from someone you are crazy.  It doesn't have to be a great deal, just a contract period to get the picks.  There is going to be some market for Vidro come the trade deadline due to his track record albeit not a top prospect I am sure.  As far as Washburn goes, I believe he has another year on his contract so I don't think they'd even consider releasing him.  In fact, I think there could be a market for him as well come the trade deadline.  Starters are dropping like flies and he would be an alternative for a short term with veteran experience.  Same goes for Batista come the trade deadline.

Now, for the good players, I think you would get a pretty good package for Ichiro should they decide to shop him...which I think they should do.  As long as they get at least 3 top prospects they should pull the trigger.  I agree that Lopez should have an okay market and I would personally like to see them move him....to me, he is a lazy player even though he could end up getting his focus and burn us down the line....tough one.   Without a doubt, I would trade Ibanez and I think you could get a couple young prospects for him...in fact, I think he is the most likely to be traded.   I would also look at moving Bedard for a good package.  I know the Cubs and Yankees are interested in him and I think he'd fetch a couple top prospects and maybe a little else.   Personally, I wouldn't be opposed to locking him up either.

Just my take on the situation but I think you have to look at moving anyone you can that is over 30 and make sure you start building around the younger talent.  Frankly, the guys I wouldn't move are below....although I would move Bedard/Beltre for a good package.

Don't Trade:  Clement, Morrow, Rowland-Smith, Putz, Balentien, Felix, Bedard, Beltre

Everyone else I would explore the possibilities...