GOOD DEAL? BAD DEAL? PART TWO

Sitting here, watching one of the worst played NBA games of the season in Lakers v. Wizards, hearing Bill Walton ejaculate in his palm when his massive tool of a son gets a rebound, I start thinking to myself...well, first I wake up and say in a bit of a haze, "Whuzzit? Good deal? Bad deal?" You see, one should always have baseball at least on the periphery of their mind.

Onwards...

Jarrod Washburn to the Mariners for a Varitek deal.

I'm going to guess the contract is closer to $32 million, but it is Boras, so you never know. While Kevin Millwood lead the league in ERA, Washburn is for a few reasons, including age, more likely to repeat his 2005. He only went 8-8 mind you. The Mariners spending money on mediocre free agents is the worst thing they can do. What baffles me is that is a situation anyone would have liked to be in. A popular right fielder, an unlimited budget. And they go and sign Adrian Beltre and Richie Sexson. Yeesh. The Mariners should take a season and rebuild, dealing everybody except Beltre. BAD DEAL

The Royals sign a few white players.

To be exact, they picked up Grudz, an aging middle infielder, Doug Mientkiewicz, a powerless but excellent defensive first baseman, and Paul Bako to catch. This was as good as a haul they could have expected. The last piece they signed was Scott Elarton, an excellent pick-up. If the Royals can fill out their rotation cheaply they should see if their captain, Mike Sweeney, has any value as trade bait. Flipping him to the Angels for one of their shortstop prospects and Casey Kotchman would be one hell of a start. WHO CARES?

More on Sunday...