Wilkerson to Mariners

by mtex on Jan 31, 2008 4:47 PM CST Comment 80 comments

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2004156612_webwilkerson31.html?syndication=rss

Looks like we'll still have to deal with him - but maybe in a limited capacity.

I like how the team describes him as a "hard-nosed competitor" and a "solid left-handed bat" How well did Whiffy hit against the M's last year for them to think he'll add to the team?

If the Bedard deal doesn't go through, he could wind up as in a 4th outfeilder/bench role. Update [2008-1-31 21:22:54 by mtex]: - One year deal for $3 million

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I think this shows that

a Bedard deal is likely. We could see something by Monday at the latest I would think.

Did anyone see that Santana's deal to be is going to be the base for C.C.'s future deal weather it be with the Injins or through free agency?

Im all on board with offering him a mega contract. He would reunite with Milly and possibly bring some much needed stability. I gawk over the image of those two being a one two punch. Follow that by BMac, Hurley, and Gabbard/Harrison. dubble u oh dubble u!

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 31, 2008 4:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

that's horrible

I'd pay C.C. 15 mil a year, he's not in Santana's class

"No, Donny, these men are nihilists, there's nothing to be afraid of."

by Walter Sobchak on Jan 31, 2008 5:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well if that's the case

you're basically saying you'd never advocate bringing a FA pitcher in here.

Cause when a pitcher does hit FA he usually has few flaws, and he wants to get PAID... especially if he's gonna come to Texas.

If you want a guy like CC to come here, you better be prepared to go something like 7/140.

He's better than Barry Zito. And younger. Think Barry Zito, but higher.

Also please remember that this is an economic environment where guys like Franchise Face get 15mm, Padilla gets 11mm, Gil Meche gets 12+mm, and Barry Zito gets a zillion dollars.

The 40 (still) trumps all!!!

by thedirkatron on Jan 31, 2008 5:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's about right

If Cleveland manages to re-sign him for an average value less than 18 per I'll be amazed.

Shoehorn.

by t ball on Jan 31, 2008 5:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And Wilkerson

gets 3 million. He outright sucks. I mean seriously sucks and gets that kind of scratch. Wow.

I just look up his stats against the M's. It might explain something about the money.

AVG.321 OBP .367 SLG .750 OPS 1.117

In 11 games played. OK I guess, if you don't pay attention to the rest of the year.

by Parman on Jan 31, 2008 9:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

20 Hr's and being...

LH = 3 mil in today's market. I will be glad to see him often, I hope he sucks it up there like he did here.

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Jan 31, 2008 9:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Rangers

They gave Richard Hidalgo $5 million with very similar career stats as Wilk and coming off a worse year.

by badradiorules on Feb 1, 2008 11:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ace

I just want a legitimate Ace or I want to throw our own internally developed guys out there from now on, at least until we are legit contenders again. You and I probably differ on who a legit Ace is - I only see a few out there...and Sabathia isn't one. He's close...but he's a # 2 compared to the types I'm talking about

"No, Donny, these men are nihilists, there's nothing to be afraid of."

by Walter Sobchak on Feb 1, 2008 3:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Who's your ace, then?

I say we need to throw everything we've got at Scott Kazmir. Santana's gone. Zambrano's out. Good luck getting Dan Haren or Cole Hamels.

I think come 2009 or 2010 we throw our farm system (minus those who would be at the ML level at that point) at Tampa Bay to get him.

"I've learned that before I open my mouth, I should look both ways for midgets." - Denny Crain

by mtex on Feb 1, 2008 3:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

you know, I do have a few in mind

Kazmir is one of them, but even he has his issues - WHIP is way too high - he needs to cut down on the walks a bit but he strikes out so many guys, it may not be as big of an issue. Here's my short list off the top of my head:

Johan Santana
Jake Peavy
Aaron Harang
Scott Kazmir
Josh Beckett
John Smoltz

Borderline
CC Sabathia
Javier Vazquez
Brandon Webb
John Lackey
Carlos Zambrano
Oliver Perez
AJ Burnett
Justin Verlander
Felix Hernandez

Future Aces (need to show me another year)
Erik Bedard
Daisuke Matsuzaka
Cole Hamels
Tim Lincecum
John Maine
Rich Hill
Francisco Liriano

There are a few other pitchers that are very good but I don't think I'd consider them an ace (however, they'd be the Rangers' ace) - Kelvim Escobar, Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, Ted Lilly, Chris Carpenter, Brad Penny, Tim Hudson, Dan Haren, Ian Snell, Roger Clemens, Curt Schilling, Randy Johnson

Honestly, my wish list would start with Santana & Peavy, then move onto Kazmir and Hamels, then jump onto Oliver Perez, Bedard, Lincecum, Maine, Hill and Liriano - if we can't get one of those guys, I wouldn't be interested in paying any of the others $20 plus million a year

"No, Donny, these men are nihilists, there's nothing to be afraid of."

by Walter Sobchak on Feb 1, 2008 6:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Holy shit

Roy Oswalt isn't an ace? Here are his ERA+'s over his career: 169, 143, 147, 125, 144, 149, 138.

He's pitched his entire career in a hitters park, and he's been ridiculously good.

ACE.

Halladay is an ace, too.

Actually we disagree on a ton of dudes.

The bottom line is that if Sabathia hits the market (and that's a huge "if") he'll do so as a 27 year old who posted an ERA+ of over 140 last year and had a 209/37 k/bb ratio.

True aces almost never hit the market.

If you wait around for a pitcher with zero flaws to hit the open market, you're gonna be waiting a long ass time.

Think how many of those dudes have actually hit the open market: Burnett and Escobar by my count, along with the old timers like Roger and the Big Unit. (Oh, and Ted Lilly, but we're pretending you didn't list him:)

The 40 (still) trumps all!!!

by thedirkatron on Feb 1, 2008 11:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

see

I knew we'd disagree. And I've tailored my list to pitchers I think that would be good in the ballpark, too. So lefties count a little higher in my book, which is why I include Lilly as a good pitcher and Ollie Perez is high up my list.

"No, Donny, these men are nihilists, there's nothing to be afraid of."

by Walter Sobchak on Feb 2, 2008 8:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Pitchers like that

Simply won't often hit the open market. It would take a Santana-like trade situation, most likely.

For those that did -- the Yanks/Mets/Red Sox/Dodgers/Angels etc. would all be heavy bidders, so it's not like the Rangers could just "go sign an ace."

And I doubt Kazmir gets dealt. The Rays could be scary good in two years.

Eh.

by SteveOla on Feb 2, 2008 2:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Kazmir

I'd rather have Sabthia or Ben Sheets over Kazmir.

He lets a ton of dudes get on base and is far too reliant on the strikeout, imo.

Plus all those innings at such a young age coupled with his small frame and seriously violent arm action... I just don't trust the dude's arm to stay attached to hs body for too much longer. I know people have been questioning his health ever since his high school days and it's never been a real issue so far, but still...

The 40 (still) trumps all!!!

by thedirkatron on Feb 1, 2008 11:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I LOVE this move

...because Wilkerson playing for an in-division rival makes the Rangers better.

by FuturePants on Jan 31, 2008 4:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

not when Bedard is pitching.

by oc on Jan 31, 2008 4:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Better Bedard than Santana, imo

Sure bedard is younger, but santana is all types of sick nasty.

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 31, 2008 4:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Better Wilkerson than, you know...

...someone good at baseball.

by FuturePants on Jan 31, 2008 5:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wrong

Bedard is OLDER than Johan.

"Lois, undecided voters are the biggest idiots on the planet, try giving short, simple answers."

by Longhorn on Jan 31, 2008 7:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No you are wrong

Bedard born March 5, 1979

Johan born March 13, 1979
'
Take that bitch!

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 31, 2008 8:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wow,

he's way younger, probably pitch at least a week longer.

Shoehorn.

by t ball on Jan 31, 2008 8:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I never said how much younger in my

first post. In fact, until I researched it I didn't even know they were that close in age. Yeah, 8 days younger, but guess what.....He's still younger...HAHA

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 31, 2008 8:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

good point

J J :) !!

Want to see Miles do a really great Hannibal Lechter impersonation? Tell him how wonderful you think Eli Manning is.

by LAMuscleFag on Jan 31, 2008 8:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

huh?

how am i wrong?

"Lois, undecided voters are the biggest idiots on the planet, try giving short, simple answers."

by Longhorn on Jan 31, 2008 8:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

thats what i am

wondering

by coolaid on Jan 31, 2008 8:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Okay you guysdon't see the mistake?

Longhorn is telling me that Bedard is in fact older. Thats far from the truth. The thruth is Bedard is 8 days younger. Therefor, you were wrong. It's not rocket science.

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 31, 2008 8:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

can you do math?

by coolaid on Jan 31, 2008 8:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

Piss off nut chucker... Boomer Sooner!

by boomer1 on Jan 31, 2008 8:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

are you serious?

Please tell me you are joking with me...

"Lois, undecided voters are the biggest idiots on the planet, try giving short, simple answers."

by Longhorn on Jan 31, 2008 8:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well actually not at first,

well actually not at all. There is that part of your brain that registers one thing but you think another. You following, because thats what I did. I must have thought for some reason that being born on March 5 made him younger. Yeah, Im not helping my cause for not being a troll here am I. I can hear it now"NYTXFAN your an F'n bloody troll." My apologie LongHorn

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 31, 2008 8:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dude, have you been drinking more than me?

I'm not feeling that drunk. I'm going out for an hour just to try and top that.

by corbsclinton on Jan 31, 2008 8:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

nope actually on some good pain meds,

and for a legit reason too.

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 31, 2008 8:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well I wrote that Bedard was younger than

Santana and you wrote that I was wrong, Bedard is older. Well he is not. That's why ur wrong.

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 31, 2008 8:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

huh????

"Lois, undecided voters are the biggest idiots on the planet, try giving short, simple answers."

by Longhorn on Jan 31, 2008 8:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

go back and read the initial post I made,

then read ur response. Then see how your wrong from the proof I provided. Gosh, am I writing to a brick wall?

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 31, 2008 8:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yep,

Im wrong. Damit Damit Damit Foot in mouth Gun to head.

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 31, 2008 8:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

That is greatness NYTX. Atleast you can admit when you are wrong.

Piss off nut chucker... Boomer Sooner!

by boomer1 on Jan 31, 2008 8:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

+ 1

Want to see Miles do a really great Hannibal Lechter impersonation? Tell him how wonderful you think Eli Manning is.

by LAMuscleFag on Jan 31, 2008 8:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll forgive you J J ..

mistakes happen, no worries :)

Want to see Miles do a really great Hannibal Lechter impersonation? Tell him how wonderful you think Eli Manning is.

by LAMuscleFag on Jan 31, 2008 8:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And you can't even spell

damn it right.

Shoehorn.

by t ball on Jan 31, 2008 11:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yep sorry,

Ive been staring at the computer screen too long. God Im so fucking stupid. Johan is 8 days younger. Thanks for not tearing me a new asshole. MYBAD

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 31, 2008 8:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

A whole 8 days

Oh Man!!!!

by SwiperNoSwiping on Jan 31, 2008 8:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Mariners fans...

are saying the same thing about Broussard.

Juevos Daniels: biggest stones in the business.

by tricer on Jan 31, 2008 5:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

nice.

ab03 = herpes

by oc on Jan 31, 2008 5:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Whiffy is a career .258 hitter against the M's

so I can't imagine it was his play that impressed them in the past... they probably just like his versatility and power potential. And heck, when you've got a team with an offense like theirs, even Brad Wilkerson is an upgrade.

"The most important things in life are the things that are the least important" -Yogi Berra

by lonestarJon on Jan 31, 2008 5:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I hope

Ron Washington remembers not to bring on a lefty to face him.

I lack the required experience to be an intern.

by TheRupeIsOnFire on Jan 31, 2008 5:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Unless it's CJ

I'd like to see that.

"I've learned that before I open my mouth, I should look both ways for midgets." - Denny Crain

by mtex on Jan 31, 2008 5:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hell,

Eddie G will probably rip him a new asshole.

CJ will straight murder the guy.

Padilla will straight bean him.

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 31, 2008 5:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah... I want to see him dig in vs. Padilla.

That would be fun to watch. Huge evil grin

"The most important things in life are the things that are the least important" -Yogi Berra

by lonestarJon on Jan 31, 2008 5:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeh I'd love to see Padzilla ..

give him a baseball sized welt on his fat ass
to help compensate for all the pain and suffering he has caused Ranger fans the last 2 years. The only problem is Michael Young will see the same when he comes up. Oh what the heck we have to be voted "most likely to win a brawl" with Milly and Kam kickboxing, C J doing his martial arts, and the beastly Hamilton and Bottsy. Frankie Fran is a tough dude too. Vinny P will break a beer bottle over your head and finish ya off with the chard!!

Want to see Miles do a really great Hannibal Lechter impersonation? Tell him how wonderful you think Eli Manning is.

by LAMuscleFag on Jan 31, 2008 6:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yep,

Id like to see those pussy M's mess with the best.

Better yet, bring on the Angels. I fuckin hate the Angels.

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 31, 2008 7:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

Piss off nut chucker... Boomer Sooner!

by boomer1 on Jan 31, 2008 7:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I hate the Angels with a passion...

And I live in SoCal. I rooted for the GIANTS in '02 even though they had Barry - that's how much I hate the Angels.

"The most important things in life are the things that are the least important" -Yogi Berra

by lonestarJon on Jan 31, 2008 7:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

agree

I also live in socal and hate the Angles and Rex Hudler only adds to that.

by coolaid on Jan 31, 2008 8:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

One of my favorite Rex Hudler lines...

... made on a weak pop fly to left last year:

"If it comes down, he's out..."

Hey Rex... you sure that thing's gonna come down buddy?

"The most important things in life are the things that are the least important" -Yogi Berra

by lonestarJon on Jan 31, 2008 8:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not quite sure I know this Rex guy, but

does he think he is the madden of baseball? He likes to point out the obvious. For example(john speaking)"You see mike that's holding. It's when a guy grabs another guy and doesn't let go."

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 31, 2008 8:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You nailed it...

The Madden of baseball... plus, he can be so biased toward the Angels it's infurtiating... Vladdy could drop the worlds easiest pop fly over there in RF, and Rex will tell you just how tough a play it would have been to actually make.

"The most important things in life are the things that are the least important" -Yogi Berra

by lonestarJon on Jan 31, 2008 8:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

In case you missed this

One of my favorite anti-Hudler rants:

http://www.halosheaven.com/story/2005/8/11/1452/77939

Rex Hudler is in demand as a motivational speaker.

by Brian Thomas on Jan 31, 2008 8:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

that made my day

by coolaid on Jan 31, 2008 8:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I bet Rex's butt still hurts

After getting it ripped that badly (by his own fans, no less!)

"The most important things in life are the things that are the least important" -Yogi Berra

by lonestarJon on Jan 31, 2008 8:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Rex Hudler

He's in demand as a motivational speaker...

Rex Hudler is in demand as a motivational speaker.

by Brian Thomas on Jan 31, 2008 8:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

not soo much

by coolaid on Jan 31, 2008 8:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Really?

I'd rather see him dust him off then proceed to watch Whiff not dig in and whiff, high and outside.

by corbsclinton on Jan 31, 2008 7:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ha Ha well you'll get plenty ..

of opportunity to see that. You may get it in one fell swoop. Whiffy could very well swing and miss at a ball that hits him.

Want to see Miles do a really great Hannibal Lechter impersonation? Tell him how wonderful you think Eli Manning is.

by LAMuscleFag on Jan 31, 2008 7:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah,

I could see him doing that.

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 31, 2008 7:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

the poll at Lookout Landing...

...is hilarious.

ab03 = herpes

by oc on Jan 31, 2008 5:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

That's awesome...

Were we this pissed when we signed Broussard?

"I've learned that before I open my mouth, I should look both ways for midgets." - Denny Crain

by mtex on Jan 31, 2008 5:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

On the poll...

So far 45% say "aw, eff Wilkerson!". Haha... poor Mariners fans.

"The most important things in life are the things that are the least important" -Yogi Berra

by lonestarJon on Jan 31, 2008 5:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My prediction

Wilkerson hits around .270 with a decent amount of home runs and RBI. Then, we get to read the letters to TR and Evan Grant asking why the Rangers let yet another good player get away.

Oh Man!!!!

by SwiperNoSwiping on Jan 31, 2008 5:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

sounds about right...

ab03 = herpes

by oc on Jan 31, 2008 5:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I could see that

happening. Decent signing by the Mariners, not too much money, could flip him if they tank and he's hitting alright.

Shoehorn.

by t ball on Jan 31, 2008 8:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

AHHH

"could flip him if they tank and he's hitting alright."

Im sure we thought the same thing. He has no trade value and I doubt he even comes close to hitting 270. Safeco field, isnt it a pitchers park? If so, why would he do any better there.

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 31, 2008 8:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Let's think about this...

The Mariners get Wilkerson for 3 million. The Rangers get Broussard for 3.85 million.

So the Rangers are paying 850k more for what?

2007
Wilkerson - .786 OPS, 20 HR in 338 ABs
Broussard - .734 OPS, 7 HR in 240 ABs

So there must be something about Broussard's career that makes him worth more, right?

Career
Wilkerson - .805 OPS
Broussard - .786 OPS

So it's the defense at 1B right?

Defense at 1B
Wilkerson - RZR at 1B - .703
Broussard - RZR at 1B - .780

So Broussard's better defensively at 1B, although neither are good. So the big difference that justifies paying Broussard more has to be in some type of split right?

Worst Comparative 2007 Splits
Wilkerson - vs. RHP - .757 OPS
Broussard - vs. RHP - .742 OPS

Wilkerson - as a 1B - .788 OPS
Broussard - as a 1B - .632 OPS

Wilkerson - hitting 7th (his primary slot) - .665 OPS
Broussard - hitting 5th - .662 OPS

Conclusion
So we can sit around here and joke about how the Rangers will be better because Whiffy is playing for the Mariners, or what a joke they must be to sign Wilkerson at all, but the reality is that Wilkerson is only slightly worse defensively and better both in 2007 and for their careers offensively.

Last year, the Mariners had Broussard and we had Wilkerson. This year it's reversed, they are paying less and in my opinion they are the ones who slightly upgraded.

by rangeressary on Jan 31, 2008 9:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

well

its not that easy right. wouldn't the rangers have had to offer wilkerson arbitration and wouldn't he have made more in arb? i could be wrong

by ab03 on Jan 31, 2008 9:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah...

The Rangers declined to offer him arbitration. He probably would have made at least 4 something in arbitration.

The point is that we are joking that the Mariners are signing Wilkerson whenever the Rangers went out and took their castoff (who's not as good) in Broussard, who's not as good and still paid more than they paid for Wilkerson.

by rangeressary on Jan 31, 2008 9:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i have hope for Ben Broussard

because he had a good season in 2006 with the Indians

by coolaid on Jan 31, 2008 9:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yep

although i like what ive read and heard from him on the personal level, as a player he just doesnt bring a lot to the table, and if RW doesnt see he cant hit lefties in spring its going to annoy me greatly.

but... as a 1 year stop gap until Davis or maybe Dunn.... he probably isnt going to be a disaster.

I just hope if hes having an awful year shelton gets some at bats and a chance to establish himself. Broussard certainly could happen to have a good year and be respectable though, its not like hes completely terrible, theres just not much upside to the signing.

by DSheppard on Jan 31, 2008 10:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think...

...any of this has anything to do with Broussard. What you are saying makes sense, but the point is Wilkerson sucks and people like myself are glad the Mariners signed him because he will make the M's worse. Sure, Broussard may suck too, but that is not the point.

by FuturePants on Feb 1, 2008 10:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think that

the fact that we are paying even more for a guy who sucks worse is a point to some. I still have no idea why we have Broussard at the price we are paying him. I'd take my chances with a 300K rookie instead.

"We should have bombed it (Auschwitz)"-President Bush

by DJCahill on Feb 1, 2008 10:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs