Mariners to Get Bedard

That is what Geoff Baker is reporting for the Seattle Times. Jones got pulled from his Winter League team in Venezuela and he told reporters that he is going to Baltimore to get a physical. Baker says that the trade could be completed in the next 24 hours. Obviously the we don't know the other details of the trade, but at first glance the Mariners are getting one heck of a pitcher. Bedard was arguably the best pitcher in the American League last year before getting hurt in August. Bedard started 28 games and had a 3.17 ERA with a whopping 221 strikeouts in 182 innings. The Mariners will now have to find a new right fielder, as Jones was slotted for that position after the departure of Jose Guillen. It will be interesting to see where Bill Bavasi goes to fill that spot. Not a lot left in free agency, but Bavasi does have a love for mediocre veterans, so don't count on Wladimir Balentien getting a shot.