According to the Seattle Times, Mariners outfielder Adam Jones is leaving Venezuela to fly to Baltimore to take a physical. Obviously this means a deal is near completion, but for who?: "(Bill Bavasi) called me yesterday and told me the news. I've got to go to Baltimore tomorrow morning and handle things there. I'm the centerpiece of the deal on the Mariners side. It's an honor to get traded for such a highly talented pitcher as Bedard is. He's one of the best. Last year he finished up as arguably one of the top candidates for the Cy Young. He's that good, so for me it's an honor. You know, I like Seattle, but if I am in Baltimore, as I think now I am, I'm going to embrace it and have the best time of my life in Major League Baseball." Since George Sherill has not been told anything, I doubt he is involved. Last season, Bedard went 13-5 with a 3.16 ERA and 221 K before his season was ended short by injury. Yes there is risk bringing him in because scouts think his arm is just about ready to explode, but adding him to the rotation puts them back in contention with the Angels in the AL West. Jones, 22, has hit .230 in 73 major league games for the Mariners, but this track record suggests that he will be a superstar. I can't say I do not disagree with that, but I think we will see what Jones truly has to offer in 2009. 2008 will merely be a transition year for Jones, who should see some success, but I expect to see him really shine by 2009.UPDATE: ACCORDING TO EXECUTIVES IN BOTH THE ORIOLES AND MARINERS FRONT OFFICE, THE DEAL FOR ERIK BEDARD IS NOT DONE. WHAT THIS MEANS IS THAT SOMEONE JUMPED THE GUN. MY GUESS IS THAT THE DEAL IS VERY CLOSE TO BEING DONE, BUT THEY ARE STILL WORKING ON THE FINAL PLAYERS AND CASH THAT WILL BE GOING TO THE MARINERS AND ORIOLES.
UPDATE 2: ACCORDING TO MLB.com, THE MARINERS WILL SEND ADAM JONES, GEORGE SHERILL, CHRIS TILLMAN, AND A PLAYER TO BE NAMED LATER FOR ERIK BEDARD.