Now that Thomas is off the table...

[themedia]

It's still painfully obvious that the M's need another bat. Bringing in the Big Hurt would have worked out well, but, as long as that's no longer an option, why not bring in a guy who can play RF, move Wilkerson to LF, and DH Ibanez?

Here is a short list of candidates on teams that are or will be out of the race:

Randy Winn, SF
Austin Kearns/Rob Mackowiak/Willie Harris/Willie Mo Pena, Wash.
Jason Bay, Pitt.

There are plenty more guys out there, these are just a few guys that could be available. It's clear that the M's will have to get somebody, anyway. Any thoughts?

[themedia]

Another option, probably the best option, would be to call up Wlad and give him a shot in right. Bavasi & Co. are typically against using young guys before September.

[BenHertz]

I believe the Cubs are trying to find a team for Matt Murton.

[Evangelion]

Wouldn't be Barry Bonds be a good option? Isn't he a better option than Thomas. Though, when you factor in the baggage Bonds brings to table, you start having second thoughts. From a offensive point of view, he's the best player for a DH spot.

[themedia]

From a purely baseball perspective, Barry Bonds would be fantastic. Ownership has shot him down so many times, though, so there's no reason to hope Bonds will come to Seattle.

P.S. Ownership doesn't like to win games.

[street_thug]

Haven't heard Sammy Sosa's name at all this year. Is he 'officially' retired now? What about him? I think he was DH'ing for Texas last year and was doing well there.

[Floyd Butterball]

How about bringing up Balentien to platoon with Wilkerson and bringing up Clement to share Catching and DH duties with Kenji. I don't how much the Mariners have to make deals but I would rather save my pieces to pick up a setup man if things continue to not work out in the pen for them.

[Floyd Butterball]

From a purely baseball perspective, Barry Bonds would be fantastic. Ownership has shot him down so many times, though, so there's no reason to hope Bonds will come to Seattle.

P.S. Ownership doesn't like to win games.

It's not necessarily that they don't like to win games as much as they would like to turn a profit for themselves first, second and foremost. They love to build the team around community type guys who like to get involved with kids and good causes. The type of players the family wants to come out and see play. Bonds image obviously doesn't fit that criteria. Believe me I get as frustrated as anyone when they don't make moves that seem good ones. I don't know if Frank Thomas is the answer to their offensive woes but I feel your pain.

[SABR Matt]

To be fair...the Mariners did offer Thomas a contract. He just chose Oakland because he was worried he'd lose at bats to Vidro.

[themedia]

To be fair...the Mariners did offer Thomas a contract. He just chose Oakland because he was worried he'd lose at bats to Vidro.

Yeah I heard that too. Even when Vidro's not hitting he sucks. And don't give me that crap about his pretty good year last year. Yes he had a good OBP which is big for this team, and yes he hit over .300. If he was the missing link on a strong offensive team at second base, those numbers for would be good enough. For a DH on Seattle's offense, Vidro is just plain awful. For the $$ he's making ($8.5M in '08) he is terrible.

[Rennie Stennett]

neck and neck

Jose Vidro (.195 .253 .299)

Frank Thomas (.164 .315 .301)

[themedia]

Jose Vidro (.195 .253 .299)

Frank Thomas (.164 .315 .301)

Give it time.