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Part 1
So, the trade deadline is coming up, and the Mariners are in a prime position to sell. We have many pieces to sell and we could really blow this thing up and get some prime prospects. However, who really needs to go? As impossible as it might sound, with some off season tinkering we could be competitive as soon as next year. Selling everybody isn't the best way. While everyone should be available for a price, there are some players who might be really helpful next year.
I have divided up the team into tiers. The higher up the tier, the more it would take to pry them away and have it be a fair, good deal. Prospects as well as young players such as Morrow, Clement, Balentein aren't included, and neither are cheap guys like RA Dickey. This is because trading them is pretty unlikely, as these are the guys who are supposed to carry us in the future.
Players like Vidro, Silva, Batista, etc. aren't included because there is no way in hell anybody would want them. Again, just because somebody is in a higher tier doesn't mean that we can't trade him, just that we better be getting a really good guys in exchange.
Untouchables
Felix Hernandez
Sure. Felix has a price. You want Felix, you can have him. all we want is your entire farm system, 150 million dollars, a major city landmark, 25 acres of shoreline property, 5000 barrels of oil and your pin number. Then Felix is yours.
Ichiro
Ichiro may not be having a 2004 season right now, but what he means to this team in terms of the international market is hard to replace. Besides, he's Ichiro. Nobody is more fun to watch.
Barely Touchable
Erik Bedard
With his recent injury all but destroying his trade chances, he was probably staying here anyway. With the going rate for ace pitchers the way it is, maybe it is best that he stays here. I was underwhelmed with the CC Sabathia and Rich Harden returns, and Bedard would certainly command less than those pitchers. A healthy Bedard, however, is a top pitcher in the league. He could be a fine piece to the 2009 team.
Adrian Beltre
Don't let the low batting average fool you: Beltre is having his best season since 2004. Since the results haven't been consistent to the performance, he would certainly command much less than he is worth in a trade.
Hard to Touch
Raul Ibanez
He is worthless to us in left, but as a DH he is exactly what we need.
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