SEATTLE -- The Mariners' pursuit of a top-of-the-rotation pitcher apparently is close to a successful conclusion.
According to what right fielder Adam Jones told reporters in Venezuela on Sunday, he is among the Seattle players being dealt to the Baltimore Orioles for left-handed pitcher Erik Bedard, a trade that would become finalized when all players involved pass physicals.
...
Hernendez + Bedard is going to make things tough for the Angels out West.
In the meantime... The Orioles are going to be horrible again this year. Surprised? Nahhhh... They are right in there with the Marlins, and Athletics on my "Bet Against" list.
The Erik Bedard trade finally is official.
The Mariners have obtained Bedard from the Orioles for a package of five players — outfielder Adam Jones, left-handed reliever George Sherrill and pitching prospects Chris Tillman, Tony Butler and Kam Mickolio.
The Seattle players in the deal have been notified that the trade is complete, according to a major-league source. Bedard took his physical Thursday, the final step toward completing the long-awaited trade.
Bedard emerged last year as a top-of-the-line starter, going 13-5 with a 3.16 ERA and 221 strikeouts. He missed the last month of the season with a muscle strain near his right rib cage.
Jones, the most enticing piece of the trade for Baltimore, was called up by the Mariners last August. He hit .246 with two home runs in 65 at-bats. He was expected to compete for a starting job in Seattle's outfield this spring.
The Orioles' trade of Bedard signals a major reconstruction. Another significant deal involving second baseman Brian Roberts could follow soon. The Cubs remain heavily interested in Roberts, and the Orioles could receive prospects such as pitcher Sean Gallagher and outfielder Felix Pie or veterans such as RHP Jason Marquis and outfielder Matt Murton.
Earlier this offseason, the Orioles traded shortstop Miguel Tejada to the Astros for five younger players