Bedard is likely coming back
For better or for worse, often injured southpaw, Erik Bedard, will most likely be re-joining the Mariners with a one year contract in 2010. This, of course, is pending a physical. The contract would probably offer Bedard a significant pay cut over his previous salary due the starter’s injury riddled time with the Mariners and lack of ability to pitch deep into games (he rarely saw the 7th inning from the pitcher’s mound). The good news for the Mariners: this can be a low-risk move if the money offered is low enough; and, with Bedard’s inconsistently demonstrated ability to be a dominant pitcher, there is a significant upside for Seattle. For Bedard: he could remain in Seattle (which he reportedly wants) and, with last year’s emergence of Felix Hernandez as a true ace and the addition of Cliff Lee, much of the pressure would be removed from Bedard’s shoulders. However, even if this contract works out, don’t expect Bedard in the rotation until at least May as he has 3-5 months of rehab remaining from his surgery. Read the rest of this entry >>
