Benitez traded to the Mariners for Jeff Nelson

[Dr. Duran Duran]

I have to agree, keep Shiggy the closer for now. Actually, I think they should keep Shiggy the closer until he blows it. Why ruin a good thing?

[IchiBalls]

This is a horrible atrocity committed against Mariner's fan's. WHAT THE HELL!?!!!!

This is nothing but politics, and realistically doesn't change much of anything. They are both free agents at the end of the year and Nelson has had his share of bad outings this year. I don't think this will change whatever the outcome is for them this season. Sure Benitez blew a lot of saves, but so did Nelson when he had his chance to be a closer.

I really doubt Benitez will get a shot at closing other than just being the 3rd option if Kaz and Shiggy need a day off. The one thing I don't like about this is Nelson going back to the Yankees.

[jebatzel]

I think Nelson can handle the pressure of NY better

JB

[Pokeyouindaeye]

Well, no its not the numbers/stats I'm referring too.

If you were a mariners fan, you would understand this too, Nelson is as much a part of team as is Ichiro. Just a huge member of the "Mariner Atmosphere" here in Seattle.

[pkarr5000]

well then, I guess your little "mariner atmosphere" has just gone corupt.

[Madison]

Nelson was traded because he voiced how dissappointed he was that the Mariners didn't make any moves before the trade deadline. I think this hurts the Mariners and helps the Yankees.

[blankman]

All we need is Stanton

J/k with Stanton, but I love this trade. From day one, I was rooting for Benitez to fail, so he wasn't used in the postseason. Now he have a great playoff proven setup guy. Great move for the Yanks . This sucks for M's fans, I feel sorry for you guys

[Mugrila]

hopefully benitez performs better outside of the new york atmosphere. he's still a pretty young arm and if he can get it together and become the pitcher he used to be he could really help. (ok, so maybe i'm a little optimistic)

[ballgame]

OMG!! What do you do if you have Shiggy and Sasaki? You're screwed. I'm in the friggin' playoff hunt and now I have this. I guess I have to roll with Shiggy until proven otherwise. I'm definitely cutting Sasaki loose, though. If Sasaki gets the closer's job back and he loses it, he's gonna lose it to Benitez, not Shiggy. DANGIT!!

Seriously, why demote Shiggy? Is it in Sasaki's contract that he must close? I doubt it. Shiggy is lights out.

[tjhksig]

As another M's fan, I can only see ONE reason why this was done:

It was Nelson for Benitez and CASH. I don't think the exact amount was reported, but maybe this is the cash the Mariners are looking for in order to finally get some 3B help for the playoff stretch.

If they do not use this $$ to get a better bat this season, then I see this as a waste. I'd rather have Nelson and his 4 rings over Benitez and his blown saves in any playoff situation........