One more year

[Justise]

Probably not that big a news to you guys outside the pac northwest, but Old Edgar is comin back.

SEATTLE -- Designated hitter Edgar Martinez, one of the biggest stars ever to grace the Seattle sports scene, will rejoin the Mariners for the 2004 season, his 18th in the majors.


Martinez, who turns 41 in January, agreed to terms on a one-year deal Tuesday.


"I am very fortunate and grateful that I have been able to play my entire career with the Seattle Mariners," Martinez said in a news release. "I plan on finishing my career as a Mariner."


The team planned an afternoon news conference with the two-time AL batting champion.


Martinez had faced a Sunday deadline to decide whether to file for free agency, and his agent had indicated the slugger was willing to consider offers from other teams if negotiations with the Mariners broke down.


It never reached that point.


"We are happy that Edgar has decided to return for the 2004 season," outgoing general manager Pat Gillick said. "Edgar is an integral part of this organization on and off the field, and we are thrilled to have his bat back in our lineup."


Martinez owns several franchise records, including career batting average (.315), games played (1,914), hits (2,119), extra-base hits (803), doubles (491), RBI (1,198), walks (1,225) and runs (1,174).


He was named to his seventh AL All-Star team last season and won his fourth Silver Slugger award after hitting .294 with 24 home runs, 98 RBI and 25 doubles in 145 games.


Despite being slowed by a toe injury down the stretch, his on-base percentage of .406 ranked fourth in the AL.


Martinez said during much of last season that he might have been playing his last season but always left the door open for a possible return.


"I won't say it's 100 percent, but it's looking that way," he said during spring training. "There's a high, high percentage this will be my last one. But you never know."

[Madison]

Yes! My utility sleeper has returned for 1 more year. Hehe.....

[Transmogrifier]

Yes! My utility sleeper has returned for 1 more year. Hehe.....

I think your "sleeper" woke up. LOL

[Madison]

Yes! My utility sleeper has returned for 1 more year. Hehe.....

I think your "sleeper" woke up. LOL

I've had Edgar on several fantasy teams for several years. He's almost always availiable late in the draft and his numbers are perfect for the utility spot. I'm sure next year will most likely be his last, so I don't mind letting the cat out of the bag on him.

[Shitney™]

yes!! i too always try and grab edgar late..