MERGED: P.Reese = M's new shortstop

[Sunspot]

Does anyone else find it humorous that Reese might end up on the Mariners. Remember when they tried to get him in the Griffey deal a few years ago, but the Reds called him untouchable. I think that lable has haunted Pokey for his whole career so far.

[Transmogrifier]

Talk about a bit of an overpay.

But, Pokey, whenever I'm around, I'll buy you a beer. Thanks.

[raiders_umpire]

talking about killing lopezs value for this year..... but at least pokey will play some good defense for the mariners at SS......

[nikku88]

I like this deal. Lopez wasn't ready to start in the Majors yet. Sure Pokey can't hit very well, but he is one of the top defensive infielders in the game and a weakness of the M's last year was D.
A one year contract for not much money seems fine to me.

[Sticky Spice]

I can see how it sucks for fantasy, but I don't think it's really that bad for REAL baseball value. It looks like his contract will top out at 1.2 mil. I think Lopez will still get a chance to win the job this spring. With Pokey we get a veteran guy with great defense, which might be just what our sorry staff needs. He can play both middle positions and does he play 3rd in emergencies? - so that would be a nice backup for injuries.

Either way Lopez will get to play full time somewhere. From what little I know about him, it seems like he could use some more seasoning. Why not take our time with him and not screw him up like we've seen so many times with other players. If he starts proving us wrong in AAA just call his ass up!

It's a long long season and I don't think playing it cautious puts us out of a playoff attempt.

[jonnyblack]

This is an incentive laden contract. Pokey is a solid addition for the M's, IM (not so humble) O. I wouldn't have drafted him in fantasy anyway, so I don't see the big deal.

[io]

the problem is mostly for us Jose Lopez owners in deep leagues ..the kid should play. he's as ready as Bobby Crosby or Khalil Greene were last year. is there any chance they trade Boone or am i dreaming?

[Pogotheostrich]

Both Pokey and Lopez can play 2B so maybe Boone is on the block but I think it would negate a lot of the good PR from the Sexson/Beltre signings. I also think Lopez could still use some time in AAA. I will be pissed if they stick him on the bench all year. He needs to get some regular playing time somewhere.

[Rhymes_T79]

pokey defense >>> lopez defense
pokey offense <<< lopez offense

however... both woulda hit in the 9 hole anyways.

as an M's fan, i like this deal, gives lopez another year to develop, possibly get more time at 2B in the minors in hopes of replacing boone in 2006. also, with addition of pokey, name a better infield defense? safeco is built for pitching and defense is key.

[El Gaupo]

I like this deal. Lopez wasn't ready to start in the Majors yet. Sure Pokey can't hit very well, but he is one of the top defensive infielders in the game and a weakness of the M's last year was D.
A one year contract for not much money seems fine to me.

I disagree. Lopez has nothing left to prove in triple AAA, and unlike fellow rookie BJ Upton who had trouble fielding SS Lopez showed great poise last year.

Seattle could have used the $$$ elsewhere