Here are a couple choice quotes from T.O.’s surprise signing with the Buffalo Bills. They both demonstrate how little sense this man and this situation make.

First, I’m sitting in the laundromat when my friend Nate calls. He’s a die-hard Bills fan. That “die-hard” cliche really applies in this case. His first, earnest words: “I need therapy.” That’s never a good sign after your team signs a Pro Bowl receiver.

Second, T.O. himself says in the ESPN.com story, “I looked at the defensive side of ball and offensive side of the ball, and these guys have all the pieces.”

Um, T.O? Ever heard of Trent Edwards? That’s what I thought – he’s your quarterback. Your new team finished out the season with a ripe shutout at home against the Patriots. Ever heard of Dick Jauron? He’s your coach. Enough said.

Almost all dissension from Mariner fans went away once the team signed Ken Griffey, Jr. Maybe it was the rumors that he’d chosen Atlanta that came right before his homecoming decision.

Leadership – I don’t think this is wishful thinking. First, Junior chose the Mariners. That matters. Too many M’s played last season like athletes condemned to 162 games. Second, Junior has been a leader with this franchise before – almost 10 years ago – and will immediately command respect as the team’s elder statesman. Griffey bridges two decades of Mariner history.

Emotional Impact – Wednesday’s news affected the landscape of Seattle-rooted Facebook statuses across the country, and probably across the world. The Seattle Times featured a startling array of links that must have required work from all their remaining staff members. Junior’s first at-bat at SAFECO during the regular season could cause a 15-minute standing ovation. Imagine his first home run. Imagine his first walk-off home run (it’ll happen). Imagine the hyperbolic heights I’ll reach then…No, it’s not just about economics. Griffey will stir the M’s fan base to a rabid pitch and increase excitement in a ballclub that needs to win back its fans. Last year they didn’t play baseball the right way. Junior has always played baseball the right way, from his leadership, to his effort, to his joy, to his production when healthy, to his humor. With success, he will inspire fans and stir passion for good baseball’s return to Seattle.

Production – I list production third, whereas for almost any other player, it would be first. Because I list it third, it’s easy to devalue Griffey’s on-field production. Every Mariner fan hopes for Griffey to continue his recent trend of odd-year production. In 2005 he hit .301 with 35 homers and 92 RBIs. in 2007 he hit .277 and put up 93 RBIs on 30 homers. That was just two seasons ago. At SAFECO, 25 homers is a more realistic number. Especially for an M’s fan, it’s easy to devalue Griffey’s entire time in Cincinnati (and Chicago) as a complete waste. That would be foolish, because Griffey showed in Cincinnati that when healthy, he can provide numbers worthy of a corner outfielder/dh/#5 or 6 hitter in the lineup.

The major drawback: As mentioned before, Griffey doesn’t fit with the whole “everything is up for grabs” idea promulgated by the GMZ and Don Wakamatsu. He’s uncuttable under any circumstances and he’s probably unbenchable as well. Let’s just stay optimistic over spring training, though.

We’ve entered a dead period in baseball transactions, especially with the Mariners wrapping up agreements with arbitration-eligible players like Felix Hernandez and Erik Bedard.

The GMZ, Mariners’ general manager Jack Zduriencik, faces difficult decisions. On a day where President Obama’s inaugural address sounded themes of hope and greatness, but also of fortitude and responsibility, the Mariners, with their hopes for greatness, would do well to practice responsibility.

Some major areas of concern/possible action:

Jarrod Washburn
As it stands, the Mariners have six bona fide major league starters, Felix Hernandez, Erik Bedard, Carlos Silva, Jarrod Washburn and Brandon Morrow. The Seattle Times’ Geoff Baker details well the M’s botched attempt to deal Washburn to the Twins last August for an actual player. But the aging Washburn, rather than young lefty Rowland-Smith, appears on the team’s (completely unofficial) depth chart on ESPN.com.

Only one reason justifies Washburn’s presence in the rotation ahead of Rowland-Smith: the amount of money the team owes Washburn. However, Rowland-Smith demonstrated in several starts last season that he has the stamina, the makeup and the stuff to be a major-league starter. He’s on the upswing. Washburn is on the downswing. His next contract won’t last longer than a year or two, plus options. For the future, which must be the Mariners’ focus at this point, Rowland-Smith presents the only reasonable decision. It’s unfortunate that the M’s might have to eat Washburn’s contract to make this happen, but it’s their fault for not pulling the trigger last August. Otherwise, if Rowland-Smith begins the season in the bullpen, we’ll be left hoping for an injury if we want to see our favorite Australian in the rotation for a full season, and that’s not a good place to be.

You might wonder why Washburn and Rowland-Smith can’t coexist. With one of those guys and Bedard, the Mariners have two lefties. Three, according to conventional wisdom, is pushing it. Of course, the Mariners seem to have other options for their rotation, which brings me to:

Brandon Morrow
Morrow deserves a spot in the starting rotation. No former first-round pick who nearly no-hit the Yankees, proved dominant as a closer, and who was drafted as a starter should be relegated to the bullpen. The Mariners risk wasting Morrow’s prime developmental years. It’s much more difficult to develop new pitches and a starter’s mentality at age 30 than it is at age 25. Now is the time. As I have written several times on this blog, the closer position isn’t as essential as K-Rod and his adorers would have you believe, especially for a team without any legitimate chance to contend. I have not spoken with ANY Seattle fan who wants to see Morrow in the bullpen next season. This is one area where the organization cannot afford a safe, conservative path.

Here’s my starting rotation:
1. Felix Hernandez
2. Erik Bedard
3. Ryan Rowland-Smith
4. Carlos Silva
5. Brandon Morrow

Part 2, with more on the bullpen and the closer issue, to come soon. Part 3 will examine position players.

Apparently they signed both Brad Penny and John Smoltz (all this on top of Rocco Baldelli).

Don’t you think that those two pitchers match up pretty well with A.J. Burnett and C.C. Sabathia, the New York Initialz Boyz? I think so, though there are clearly differences in that both Penny and Smoltz have one-year deals. In 2009, though, advantage Red Sox. Plus they have hometown guy Rocco Baldelli and under-the-radar-ness on their side.

A couple facts, assuming the ESPN report of Mark Teixeia signing with the Yankees is correct:

The Yankees now have the four highest-paid players in baseball (Alex Rodriguez, C.C. Sabathia, Derek Jeter – really?, and Teixeira). Interestingly, Buster Olney reports in the above article that the Yankees’ payroll will FALL with this deal, because other circumstances freed up so much money (Jason Giambi leaving, Mike Mussina retiring).

My first reaction to the “Tex” signing, when I received the news in a text from an Angels fan, was absolute shock. I wonder if Scott Boras somehow holds editorial power over ESPN, because no one saw this coming, and it seems like every deal these days gets leaked before it happens. Almost every day after the winter meetings, including this morning, the latest Teixeira headline sat atop the ESPN news roster. Nothing about the Yankees and somehow, the notion that the Nationals could get him.

I have several reactions to this trade:

1) As a Mariners fan – For some reason, I would rather that Teixeira sign with the Angels, even though they’re in our division. I’d much rather have the balance of power shift out west (I only hope Manny signs with the Dodgers) than have to hear more on ESPN about the Red Sox and Yankees. Last season I hated the Red Sox more than the Yankees, though year-to-year I’ll probably just hate whichever team enjoys more success. This offseason has blown my mind, as only the Yankees and Mets got deals done, even if they were irresponsible. I’ve been through these free agent signings with Richie Sexson and Adrian Beltre. For fans, especially Yankees fans, signings like these only pay off if you win eight consecutive championships. I’m almost serious. The Yankees MUST win a championship this season or Brian Cashman has failed. As a Mariners fan, I enjoy that. But I do not enjoy

2) As an amateur analyst - Is Teixeira really THAT good? Either the market has ballooned since A-Rod signed his second $250 million deal, or the Yankees overpaid for an excellent first baseman. He’s a first baseman – most players at his position should hit for decent average with good power and solid defense. It’s not a difference-maker position. Also, reading Lee Jenkins’ Sports Illustrated piece on Teixeira’s CEO-like approach to the game didn’t exactly send me to Gmail for a desperate e-mail to Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik, the GMZ. This deal certainly sends a message to the Red Sox and the Angels (The New York Times leads their story with “In a blow to the Red Sox…”, the Yankees’ prime big-money competitors, but it’s probably not worth my initial “The Yankees win the World Series, no question” reaction.

3) As a lover of baseball – Why doesn’t baseball have a salary cap? I don’t know much economics, but I do know that the luxury tax hasn’t stopped the Yankees yet. Once teams get a core like this, they can sign cheap veterans who want to freeload for a championship ring. (In the NBA, witness Sam Cassell in Boston last season). The Kansas City Royals will never have a chance in an environment like this. You defenders of the system might pipe up with “Rays! Rays!” but you’d just be citing an exception born of 10 years picking first in the amateur draft.

This just can’t be allowed. I’m sorry, but this is not sport. I understand the importance of free agency, but now that Scott Boras and Mr. Mark-etable Teixeira have taken over the landscape, I’m having serious doubts. Maybe I’m just a purist, or maybe I’m a socialist, but this just can’t happen. It won’t be sweet to root against the Yankees all year because it’s no fun to root against a team like that. It would almost feel illegitimate to see them lose. I know that professional sports (and amateur sports) are a business, but I’m sick of the Yankees and Scott Boras reminding me of that fact.

Right now I don’t want to hear a word from any Red Sox or Yankees fan. Maybe it’s just bitterness, but why doesn’t baseball follow football’s example? Then excellence comes down to coaching and a sustained, professional organization, rather than oodles of money. Baseball risks losing even more ground in the American sports landscape unless it turns to a salary cap. I fear that’s the only solution, even if it causes a multi-year strike by players who’d probably be striking against their own ultimate interests.

I’d love to hear thoughts from someone who understands the economics of all this crap.

In my recent post about the J.J. Putz trade, I wrote that closers are a lot like mediocre NFL quarterbacks. If you’re Frankie Rodriguez, you don’t want any comparisons to Gus Frerotte. A few more details and connections to the quarterback position to prove my point that closers aren’t that important, and certainly not worth $12 million a year (or $30 million a year for three)…

1. Direct impact doesn’t always correlate with significant impact. When a closer blows a save, everyone knows it. When a quarterback throws an interception to end the game, everyone knows it. It may not be their fault, but they get the blame. In other words, because they make the obvious play that leads to a loss, they receive the blame. This applies more to closers than to quarterbacks, because quarterbacks clearly have a full-game impact. Closers just enter for one inning. Though they end the game, and this is important, the runs they give up don’t multiply as compared to a setup man’s runs.

The Mets had such a bad bullpen last season that they overpaid for both a closer and a setup man. They’re actually closer to the right model than other clubs that pay $10 million for a closer and minimum salaries to all their other relievers. Maybe the closer deserves more money because of the “stopper” mentality (more on that in #3), but the pay gap shouldn’t be wide.

2. When there’s only a slightly worse alternative, pressure on the starter mounts. Even when Derek Anderson, a surefire mediocre NFL quarterback with a fluke Pro Bowl Season, received a monster contract extension, fans still saw potential in Brady Quinn. Anderson flopped this year, though that can’t be completely attributed to pressure from Quinn. In reality, the pressure comes from fans and the media. K-Rod will be hounded all season by Putz’s presence behind him. He, J.J., the media and fans all know that Putz is just as capable a closer with arguably better stuff but a worse health track record and a team that underperformed last season. What if K-Rod blows two saves in a row? What if Putz blows people away in the 8th inning? Their talent levels are simply so close that this causes immediate controversy, just like a quarterback controversy drummed up by fans and media questions rather than any actual questions in the coach’s mind.

3. There’s really no elusive “closer’s mindset.” I don’t buy it. Closers come and go so quickly that it depends more on circumstances. It’s just like the “leadership” quality that everyone talks about in quarterbacks. A quarterback’s leadership ability depends on the amenability of players around him. I agree that there’s a big difference between Ryan Leaf and Brett Favre in leadership abilities, but I think only a few of the greats have an “it.” Everyone else benefits from fortuitous circumstances. Example: Kerry Collins. He’s the right fit for the Tennessee Titans at this time, but it doesn’t mean that another quarterback couldn’t do a similar or better job. (I hope this isn’t a knock on Collins – he’s done a great job). I can rattle off closers who have come and gone: Francisco Cordero, Huston Street, Chad Cordero, Kazuhiro Sasaki, the list goes on. Even Brad Lidge has been up and down. Only a few greats (Rivera, Papelbon) truly have “it.” So why overpay for a question mark?

I’d like to hear your thoughts on the point of a closer, especially given that the “position” is a relatively new one.

One headline on ESPN.com: “Yankees Strike Again.” Yes, they may have struck out.

A.J. Burnett for $82 million. C.C. Sabathia, apparently reluctant to even play in New York, for $161 million. These two guys to replace Mike Mussina. This, on the heels of an 89-73 season.

Somehow, the logic of the last few World Series champs has failed to take root in the minds of any Steinbrenner or poor Brian Cashman. Speaking of Cashman, will we ever know if this guy is a good general manager, or will we base all of his success on Steinbrenner’s money? Billy Beane achieved greatness through success in difficult circumstances. Cashman and the Yankees organization haven’t had a World Series title in a decade (though Beane has never won even one) despite the vast resources of the organization.

Let’s take a look at the last few World Series winners
2008 – Philadelphia Phillies
2007 – Boston Red Sox
2006 – St. Louis Cardinals
2005 – Chicago White Sox
2004 – Boston Red Sox
2003 – Florida Marlins

Except for the Marlins, perhaps, these teams all what the Yankees lack and can’t necessarily buy through free agency – a young-ish nucleus of homegrown players. The Phillies have Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels and (had) Burrell, among others. Their opponents, the Tampa Bay Rays, had plenty of well-publicized homegrown talent. The Red Sox, of course, had Ellsbury, Pedroia and Youkilis. The Cardinals had Pujols. The White Sox had several players and supplemented through trades. The Red Sox and Marlins thrived more off of free agents. But with the way the free agent market goes, very few teams can afford these high-priced free agents, and especially several of them.

The Yankees have failed to develop a key offensive player in the last several years. Is Robinson Cano anywhere near the new Derek Jeter? No. Was Melky Cabrera, soon to be traded for Mike Cameron, the next Bernie Williams? No. It’s difficult to say that the Yankees’ model is broken, because they consistently finish above .500 even if they flail in the playoffs, but it’s worth considering that Sabathia’s signing met with mostly eye rolls, at least around invested fans who don’t (like the ESPN talking heads) make their money off dramatizing every sports event or non-event. Here’s hoping that Burnett becomes the $16 million version of Carl Pavano.

I thought things would be different with Jack Zduriencik as general manager. Maybe I’m naive, but I expected a new-school, stats-driven executive like the GMZ to NOT sign a player who too much resembles Brad Wilkerson. Anyone associated with the Mariners knows that Wilkerson did not pan out, not even for a month.

Branyan’s OPS isn’t bad, but he will only function as a complementary big bat on a team with other athletic big bats (maybe Adrian Beltre and Raul Ibanez can fulfill this). He’s too slow, strikes out too much (Branyan himself tries to defend this in the Times article, but striking out really is worse than any other kind of out, except for a double play), hits for a low average and plies his versatility as his primary quality. Sounds too much like Wilkerson to me.

It’s just not that exciting for a Mariners fan when Baker puts together this rousing affirmation of Branyan: “But as a lefty, the M’s could do worse.” Really, I shouldn’t expect the M’s to sign Mark Teixieria, or even want them to, but I hope the GMZ follows the example of the Minnesota Twins and replenish their team through trades rather than free agency. The Twins let Torii Hunter and Johan Santana go, but primarily used trades, rather than a series of free agency busts like Craig Monroe and Livan Hernandez, to turn themselves into a near-playoff team.

My first candidate for a blockbuster, farm-boosting trade (I’ve said this before): Ichiro. Please.

Read all about it here on Geoff Baker’s Seattle Times blog.