The Mariners have landed their first major free agent...well...ever. Sexson apparently passed his physical (the impossible Omar physical) and is clear to start bombing balls out of Safeco Field. He will be the first to hit a ball out of the stadium.
I have mixed feeling about this deal. Four years at 50 million seems rather high for someone coming off major injury. The Mariners however were able to land another "home town guy". Sexson will pick up the flame Ole left behind. He will sell tickets and if healthy will be a rock in the 4th spot in the order. Until last year he played nearly everyday. As of today the lineup looks like this:
Ichiro - RF
Winn - CF
Boone - 2B
Sexson - 1B
Bucky - DH
Raul - LF
??? - 3B
Lopez - SS
Olivio - C
This lineup still needs help. Boone is no longer a 3rd hitter and while Winn is a very good 2nd hitter he is below average in the field. I believe the answer to CF is center field is Jeremy Reed. Better defense and his bat is designed for the 2 spot.
Where do the Mariners go from here? Rumors hint at Delgado or Beltre. I still don't believe the Mariners will spend enough for Beltre (nor should they at the price he wants) but 3B is their biggest need. Delgado crowds things by moving Sexson to the outfield. The lefty bat however could be ideal. Remember Safeco was designed to allow Griffey a shot at Aarons HR mark.
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