M's looking into signing Craig Counsell, trading Heilman

by esoteric on Jan 19, 2009 4:11 PM PST

Via robot overlord Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports:

The Mariners and Brewers are among the teams interested in free-agent utility man Craig Counsell. The Brewers declined Counsell's $3.4 million team option, but could bring him back at a lesser salary. Counsell, 38, had a .355 on-base percentage in 302 plate appearances last season. He also drew interest from the Indians before the Tribe traded for Mark DeRosa ...

The Mariners likely are willing to move right-hander Aaron Heilman, who they did not consider a key component of their six-player return in the J.J. Putz trade. Heilman, 30, is entering his second year of arbitration, and could make sense for one of the many teams looking for an affordable starting pitcher. The Mets used him as a reliever, but he prefers to start ...

Of course, a smart GM might justifiably ask whether Heilman's preference for starting over relieving ought to override the fact that he would make a crappy starter. But then there's always Dayton Moore.

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I guess Dayton Moore does have some intruiging pieces a good GM might get him to part with...

by seattlebruin on Jan 19, 2009 4:20 PM PST reply actions

Heilman for Alex Gordon.

by Goose on Jan 19, 2009 4:28 PM PST up reply actions

Heilman for Butler

The org seems determined to freeze the guy out, especially after the Jacobs trade.

by marc w on Jan 19, 2009 4:29 PM PST up reply actions

Heilman for Bloomquist

Wait, that would be regressive.

by Fin on Jan 19, 2009 4:33 PM PST up reply actions

But Willie has grit and hustle.

BOOYA! You got Slurved!

by Slurvey on Jan 19, 2009 5:24 PM PST up reply actions

What would Willie be without grit/hustle?

Big Z is the MAN.

by .Taylor on Jan 20, 2009 12:45 PM PST up reply actions

He'd be a hut of gristle?

I like using semi-colons; they make me feel smart.

by Llewdor on Jan 20, 2009 4:05 PM PST up reply actions

Grissle?

by Fin on Jan 20, 2009 11:47 PM PST up reply actions

Nothing realistic would make me laugh harder.

by Double06 on Jan 19, 2009 4:34 PM PST up reply actions

I wonder if we could get Luke Scott or something for Heilman

Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org

by Corco on Jan 19, 2009 4:38 PM PST reply actions

Sounds like the Orioles are happy with Scott at DH.

by Aaron Campeau on Jan 19, 2009 5:19 PM PST up reply actions

I like the idea of getting Counsell after letting Willie go.

Especially since Moore signed Willie because he’s “a Craig Counsell type”.

If we can get Counsell for less than Willie got, this will be extra hilarious.

I like using semi-colons; they make me feel smart.

by Llewdor on Jan 19, 2009 5:22 PM PST reply actions

If he costs more then Willie did and we get hiim I will be very angry

Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org

by Corco on Jan 19, 2009 5:35 PM PST up reply actions

Seeing his batting stance is worth the price of admission

by edddgar on Jan 19, 2009 5:39 PM PST reply actions

He's no Tony Batista

I have eight watches. None of them are fake.

by RafaelCarmona22 on Jan 19, 2009 6:25 PM PST up reply actions

FACT

by SethGrandpa on Jan 19, 2009 6:50 PM PST up reply actions

I love Tony Batista.

He’s the best example ever of why 30 HR & 100 RBI doesn’t make someone a good hitter.

In 2004 he hit .241/.272/.455 with 32 HR and 110 RBI. For a wOBA+ of 92.

I like using semi-colons; they make me feel smart.

by Llewdor on Jan 20, 2009 9:40 AM PST up reply actions

I should probably look up one of his spray charts,

but with that stance, is it even possible for him to hit with any power the other way? If I twisted my body up like that, I couldn’t even imagine not pulling a ball

I DRINK YOUR MILKSHAKE!!! I DRINK IT UP!!

by abender20 on Jan 20, 2009 9:57 AM PST up reply actions