The Diamond Fan

This deal seems like it has been talked about forever, but today it finally became official: the Mariners traded Adam Jones, George Sherrill and three pitching prospects to Baltimore for Erik Bedard. This is a deal that makes sense for both teams. getting Bedard gives the Mariners a terrific one-two at the top of the rotation, and gives them a realistic shot at contending for a playoff berth this year.

Even though he’s only 1-2 lifetime in four starts at Safeco Field, Bedard should be a stellar pitcher in that ballpark. If King Felix finally blossoms into the ace everyone expects him to be and the rest of the rotation pitches decently (as it should with Carlos Silva, Jarrod Washburn and Miguel Batista rounding it out) this is a championship-caliber rotation. The AL West race just went from “ho-hum, Angels win again” to “this could be interesting.”

On the Orioles’ side of things, this also looks like a good deal. They weren’t going to contend against the Red Sox and Yankees this year anyway, and Adam Jones is a player with a lot of upside. George Sherrill is a decent bullpen arm, and if any of the three pitching prospects pan out at all this could end up looking like a great move in a few years.

Today Houston traded outfielder Luke Scott, third baseman Michael Costanzo, left-hander Troy Patton and right-handers Matt Albers and Dennis Sarfate to Baltimore for Miguel Tejada. I think this is a good career move for Tejada, who should thrive playing in Minute Maid Park in the Astros lineup.

This means that Adam Everett is out as the Houston shortstop. Tejada is obviously a huge offensive upgrade in that position, but I’m not sure what their plan is for the starting rotation. Both Albers and Patton were possible starters this season. Oswalt – Woody Willaims – Backe, then who? Wandy Rodriguez? After that I draw a blank. Don’t be surprised if Houston signs another pitcher, unless they have someone else goo down on the farm.

With the addition of the three pitchers, I think this is a good sign that the Orioles are sure they are going to trade Eric Bedard. A youth movement may not be a bad thing for the birds right now. Now way are they going to compete with the Yankees and Red Sox this season, but maybe they can build toward being competitive in a couple of more years. A Bedard for prospects trade would fit in nicely with this one in giving them a good base from which to make that attempt.