David Bell and Brett Boone will be in Seattle for another year. Whats gonna happen with a jam up at 3rd? Whats up with the Indians, no more Alomar or Gonzalez?

David Bell's agent is saying that he still doesn't expect Bell to be back with the M's next season. If he is back, it'll be as a utility man.

Yep, Bell will likely be traded. To quote today's Seattle paper:

[quote] Bell, who made $2.2 million last season, could get $3 million to $4 million in arbitration.

Accepting Seattle's arbitration offer, which was largely made so the club would get draft-pick compensation if (when) he signed somewhere else, has risks for Bell. If Seattle cuts him prior to March 27, the Mariners would owe Bell just one-sixth of his salary, so he would become a free agent with some $500,000 in his pocket.

But with the rosters of most clubs set that late in spring, Bell could sit for a while or wind up playing minor-league ball until he gets an offer to sign when a club turns needy.

It could happen, with Cirillo acquired to play third base and Boone at second and newcomer Alex Arias locked into one infield backup slot at $750,000.

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M's pick ups
Shigetoshi Hasegawa
Ben Davis
Jeff Cirillo
Ruben Sierra

M's losses
Aaron Sele
Jose Paniagua
Brian Fuentes
Tom Lampkin

Ichiro's old Blue Wave teammate may be good for long relief. Also Gil Meche healthy again.
Still strong starting rotation
Pineiro
Garcia
Moyer
Abbott
Halama or Franklin

Got a Japanese Ichiro Blue Wave baseball card!

Boone signs 3 year deal, will stay in Seattle awhile longer

http://msn.espn.go.com/mlb/news/2002/0116/1312593.html

Yes, Boonie & his booty will be back for another 3 years. It would be awesome to see him produce the same type of numbers he produced last year, although I am expecting a slight drop-off. Defense should be much better with Cirillo & Boone.

I think offense will be better, think Bell was better than Cirillo defensively though.

I actually don't think it will make much difference. Both are good defensive players. I'd rate Cirillo a slight edge--better arm, but perhaps not quite as much range. Don't be fooled by Coor's stadium--Cirillo is not the offensive player he was in Milwaukee. He hit only .266 on the road, so I'm figuring he's a similar player to Bell offensively at this point. In view of Cirillo's age, I think I'd rather have Bell, actually.

I'm just thrilled that Boonie is with us for the long haul. He told a local paper that he and his wife (damn!) are planning on house-hunting in Seattle immediately. He seems to be a huge asset (no jokes, please) to the clubhouse off the field as well. As many signs said during the season: KA-BOONE!!

very happy, very happy.

"Lucy!!! Where are you, Lucy!!!"

-Desi Arnaz

"I never did get to play for the Giants as they have sent me to Seattle with cash for David Bell."

-Desi Relaford

[quote]Originally posted by Lots-of-us:
As many signs said during the season: KA-BOONE!!

very happy, very happy.

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I liked SONIC-BOONE!!

Mariners add Baldwin to pitching staff
http://msn.espn.go.com/mlb/news/2002/0128/1319010.html

I went to the Mariner Fanfest yesterday & now I am officially excited about the start of Baseball season. I got to see Cirillo (stud), Alex Arias, Moyer & Abbott. Moyer is well spoken (his favorite baseball player? Steve Charlton) and Abbie looks better in person (he DOES have a chin!). Abbott said his favorite player was Kirby Pucket. I was really hoping to see the Boone/Dan Wilson doubleheader, but they made their appearances later in the afternoon.

It was interesting when a fan asked M's head honchos Howard Lincoln & Chuck Armstrong about the plan to move the Expos to DC, they basically said "No Comment" since lame-brain Selig has imposed a $1 million dollar fine on any executive who makes a public comment about the situation.

Too bad, Ichi, Edgar & Freddy wasn't in attendance!

What is it... 2-1/2 weeks until pitchers report? Cool