Jack Wilson Traded To Seattle In Seven-Player Deal

Jack Wilson has a $8.4 team option that, if excercised, makes sense for the Mariners in 2010. I don’t think the Mariners are going for it this year, so Washburn can still go. This really sets the Mariners up for a much more stable infield next year and gives them a high upside arm in Snell that could be slotted into their rotation at any time.

…that it’s a win for both teams. I think the Mariners slightly overpaid with the 3 single A starting pitchers they sent, but that’s offset by the fact that Pittsburgh is paying the remaining salaries for Wilson and Snell this year(all but the minimum?)

Clement was a man without a job in Seattle, as they had C, 1B, and DH all filled. He may not have a job in Pittsburgh, with Garrett Jones and Steven Pearce also at 1B and Ryan Doumit at C. He’ll play at AAA and maybe if he clears waivers in August, the Pirates can trade him elsewhere.

I love Snell in Safeco. With the defense he’ll have behind him, he could be a great #3 starter, possibly even a decent #2. And with Bedard and Washburn possibly both gone at season’s end, having him means one less rotation spot up in the air next year. Wilson is nothing great, but he’s an upgrade over both Cedeno and the now-departed Yuniesky Betancourt.

Of the 3 young arms the M’s gave up, the one with the most upside could be Pribanic. Adcock had been seen as one of the best, but he’s struggled of late—he had been at the M’s High A affiliate, the High Desert Mavericks, and pitched in that record-setting 33-18 game with Lake Elsinore. He struggled a lot in that hitter’s park, so a new location may help him immensely.

Overall, I think giving up 2 young arms, Clement, and Cedeno would have been enough for Snell and Wilson, but I think the 3rd arm was a bit too much. But it was a good trade for both teams. ;)