JJ Putz, Others Traded, Gutierrez, Others Wear Mariner Blue

For everybody who has been in wait-in-see mode for the Mariners GM, wait no longer. This is a major deal and shows clearly what Jack Zduriencik and the new front office values. I have to say, I'm liking much of the the thought process but I don't know what the results are going to be yet. Anyway, this trade is absolutely bananas. Here are the details. What we lose: JJ PutzWe all remember his dominating '06 and '07, but his 2008 leaves a lot of question marks, and it's not at all clear what he will turn out to be next year. If JJ does a little bit better than last year and if he stays healthy (big if) he will be a pretty good re liver, but not close to his prime. We definitely lose something by trading him, but the Mets are taking on a big risk. Still, Putz is the best player in the deal if his best case scenario plays out. Personally, I was one of JJ's biggest fans and I am going to miss him. And this. Goodbye JJ. Luis Valbuena Given that we are looking long term as an organization, this is the biggest loss for the M's. Luis Valbuena is a 23 year old cost controlled second baseman who is already better than Yuni and probably would turn out to be league average or better. He's a good fielder who has good plate patience with gap (but not home run) power. Valbuena got a cup of coffee last year in September but would have made the 25-man roster by Opening Day. A big loss to the infield depth. Sean Green Sean Green is an above average middle reliever who is cheap and on the right side of 30, although he's not a prospect by any means. Green is significantly better versus rights handed hitters, something that the old Mariners never seemed to realize. He was also the prime example of something the Bavasi Era got right: cheap young relief pitchers. We will miss you, Sean. Jeremy Reed If anybody reading this is ever confused about what Replacement Level means, just think of Jeremy Reed. Reed came into Seattle via the Freddy Garcia trade as on of the top prospects in all of baseball. Only four years later, he is barely a fourth outfielder. Even with his injuries and disappointment, however, the Mariners still got decent value from Reed, given the cost, and he can provide some value to the Mets. What We Got Franklin Gutierrez Some will see this guy as the centerpiece of the deal and think that the Mariners got robbed. Not so. Gutierrez is one of the best defensive players alive (better than Ichiro) and will probably play center field. If he hits like Jeremy Reed (and he is better than Reed, but not lots better), he will be a league average player. If he improves a little, he becomes a cornerstone guy. Expect all the pitchers to look a lot better next year with this guy in the outfield and Ibanez gone. Gutierrez is also 25 years old and cheap. Nice player to have. Endy ChavezTake everything I just said about Gutierrez, turn "one of the best defenders" into "one of the top 15-20 defenders" and take away the part about being young. This is Endy Chavez. Assuming Wlad Balentien starts next year, Endy is probably a 4th outfielder, but what a fourth outfielder. When he plays instead of Balentein, Ichiro will be the weak link in the outfield on defense. Insane. Aaron Heilman Heilman is an interesting case. If he stays in the pen, he looks a lot like Sean Green, but a few years older and even more exaggerated of a lefty/right platoon split. The interesting thing however, is that the reason he demanded a trade was so he could start. There isn't much data to go on to determine what type of starter he would be, but I don't think we need another #5 starter, so I think I would tell him to suck it up and stay in the bullpen. Mike Carp The only real prospect in the whole trade. Mike Carp is an interesting piece with a bit of upside. He's a 22 year old first baseman who can hit for power. His defense supposedly isn't very good, but we won't know for sure until he gets to the majors. What I'm seeing is that his potential is that of a starting first baseman in the majors. We may have found our first baseman of the future here. What a weird trade. Zduriencik isn't messing around this week. Post opinions in the comments section. Overall I think the Mariners got good value for these guys. Losing Valbuena hurts, but I think Carp will make up for him. Heilman and Green are essentially a wash for the near future, and Gutierrez and Chavez will be fun to watch, not to mention huge contributors to a good defensive team. The trade isn't a world beater, but a good way to get younger and not let your veterans go to waste. You can get all our articles for free in your inbox with the latest Seattle Sports' news.
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