Keep A Good Thing Going?

by Casey the Intern

Jarrod Washburn pitched a complete game one-hit gem last night, shutting out the Orioles in a 5-0 Mariners win. He improved his record to 5-6 on the year and his ERA improved to 3.08. He has been a big source of strength for not only the Mariner’s pitching staff, but as a leader in the clubhouse as well. Manager Don Wakamatsu touched on this after yesterday’s game, saying, ” I don’t think I give enough credit when I talk about the leadership in this clubhouse, when you always hear Griffey and you always hear Sweeney, but I think we’re missing the boat sometimes when we don’t mention Washburn.”(Listen)

Washburn is now prime trade bait if the Mariners decide to use him as so. With starting pitching being so thin throughout the league, you can bet that the Mariners will be getting a lot of calls about Washburn. ESPN’s Buster Olney commented on this earlier today on ESPN, saying, ” If at any point they(The Mariners) do decide to trade Jarrod Washburn, he will become the most coveted pitcher on the trade market because of how well he’s throwing.”(Listen)

 

Washburn has been pitching fantastic throughout the year, even if his numbers don’t show so. He has had horrible run support this year. Even with his recent loss in New York , he gave the Mariners seven strong innings but they could only muster two runs. As of late Jarrod Washburn has looked like the Washburn who used to pitch for the Angels. If the season ended today, Washburn’s ERA would be the best of his career.

 

Washburn is in a contract year—and pitching like it. He has said he wants to stay in Seattle . So instead of dangling Washburn out to see what they can get, why not keep a good thing going and keep Washburn. The Mariners have hit their stride, having a winning record after a nine game road trip against the three best teams in baseball. Critics said that the Mariners would be out of the playoff hunt after they came back from this road trip. A funny thing happened—they’re still in it. Instead of buying or selling this trade deadline, why don’t the Mariners just stay put and do nothing.

 

Also vital to the team chemistry has been the zen-like approach of Wakamatsu. He has a managing approach comparable to that of Phil Jackson. His infectious calmness appears to have spread to the rest of the team. Wakamatsu treats all the players as equals and always has his door open—quite different from years past. I say the Mariners should just stay put, relax and enjoy the good ride they have going.

Also check out Steve Phillips on the show today to talk about whether the Mariners should buy or sell at the upcoming trade deadline!