In Zduriencik We Trust

If you consider yourself a Mariners fan and you aren't excited right now, I've got bad news for you... you're not a Mariners fan!  This has been a crazy week in Marinerland but I can't help but be giddy with optimism for the first time in years.  Here's why:

• Ken Griffey Jr. was re-signed.  A lot of die hard M's fans didn't like this move but I think it's great.  Griffey had a mediocre season last year but he didn't hurt the team and he gave everyone something special to see when they watched a game.  He will always be the most important player in the team's history and he should finish his Hall of Fame career in Seattle... hopefully with a World Series :)
  
• Chone Figgins was signed and the only thing I don't like about him is the way he pronounces his name ;)  It's going to be very hard for opposing teams to keep both he and Ichiro off base and from running wild when they get there.
  
• Cliff Lee was acquired from the Phillies for three minor league prospects.  Lee is easily the best pitcher the Mariners have ever landed (either by trade or free agency).  He's probably only going to be in Seattle for one season but that's fine.  He and Felix give us the starting pitching we need to not only contend but go deep into the playoffs... right now!  Plus players generally step it up the year before they become free agents and the M's will most likely get two first round draft picks as compensation for his departure.
  
• Milton Bradley was acquired from the Cubs for Carlos Silva.  The only negative to this trade is that Bradley could lose his cool and ruin the team's chemistry.  But it could also payoff big if he keeps his cool because we need his offense.  Silva had no place on the team so just getting rid of him for someone who could benefit us is huge.
  

You've got to give a ton of credit to Jack Zduriencik.  I didn't think it would be possible to turn the team around this fast but I really think he has.  Not only that, he's managed to do it without mortgaging the future, either by decimating the farm system (Woody Woodward, Pat Gillick) or by locking us into questionable multiyear contracts (Bill Bavasi).

Designated Hitter ✔... Third Baseman ✔... #2 Starting Pitcher ✔ ... Left Fielder ✔... The only thing left on my Christmas list is a Russell Branyan re-signing... Go M's!