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Thursday, July 10, 2008

MLB.com: Mariners release Richie Sexson

Now will somebody please tell me why Jose Vidro still has a job, much less is batting cleanup?

OAKLAND—Seattle Mariners Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Lee Pelekoudas announced today that the Mariners have released first baseman Richie Sexson.

“We felt that at this time it was in the best interest of the ballclub, and in Richie’s best interest, to make this move” Pelekoudas said.

The Mariners have not yet announced a corresponding move. Sexson, 33, was hitting .218 (55-for-272) with 8 doubles, 11 HR and 30 RBI in 74 games with Seattle this season

Esoteric roots for the two worst teams in baseball Posted: July 10, 2008 at 02:49 PM | 70 comment(s)
Related News: General, Seattle

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1. In what respect, Craig K? Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:02 PM (#2852090)

Yay.

2. In what respect, Craig K? Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:03 PM (#2852096)

But who plays first now?

For the love of God, don't tell me Miguel Cairo.

3. vortex of dissipation Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:03 PM (#2852097)

Tug Hulett has been brought up from Tacoma.

4. Aspiring One-Armed Economist (6 - 4 - 3) Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:04 PM (#2852098)

And yet Vidro still has a job.

5. Sam Malone's Elbow Problem Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:05 PM (#2852103)

Tug Hulett has been brought up from Tacoma.

Who is the son of former White Sox utility man Tim Hulett. God, I'm old.

6. Van Lingle Mungo Jerry Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:07 PM (#2852111)

Speaking of fathers and sons, is Lee Pelekoudas related to former MLB ump Chris Pelekoudas?

7. MM1f Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:07 PM (#2852112)

Post 3,
Really? That is awesome.

As for Sexson, good move for both sides. It should have been done awhile ago.
This lets the M's move on and gives Sexson a chance to work-out for teams and maybe convince one he can fix himself a little and be worth a September roster spot as a pinch-hitter or something

8. Joe C isn't Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:07 PM (#2852113)

Mariners fans are so excited they melted USS Mariner again.

9. In what respect, Craig K? Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:08 PM (#2852115)

Speaking of fathers and sons, is Lee Pelekoudas related to former MLB ump Chris Pelekoudas?

His son.

10. RB in NYC (Now with Christmas Spirit!) Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:09 PM (#2852116)

I was expecting Sexson to rebound a bit this year, not more--if at all--than the dead cat bounce, but something. I guess he is really and truly cooked.

11. Gamingboy Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:09 PM (#2852118)

I once got a fungo bat from Richie Sexson. For a few years I thought it'd be worth something: He's gotta at least gonna end up at 400 home runs, I figured, maybe even a outside chance at 500! I'm a stupid idiot.

Ah well, it was just a fungo bat anyway.

12. Harold Reynolds: An Erotic Life (AG#1F) Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:12 PM (#2852123)

Sexson sucks, but he's hit LHP well this year. Wouldn't be a terrible bat off the bench for a contender this fall so long as he's essentially free.

13. 1k5v3L Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:14 PM (#2852128)

Sexson sucks, but he's hit LHP well this year. Wouldn't be a terrible bat off the bench for a contender this fall so long as he's essentially free.

I'd gladly take Sexson as a platoon partner to Chad Tracy at 1b in AZ.

Richie Sexson's career line at Chase field
0.298 / 0.402 / 0.721 / 1.123 OPS with 12 home runs in 104 at bats

Sexson career OPS at NL west ballparks
Chase 1.123
Coors 1.236
Petco 1.131
Dodger 1.017
AT&T;0.781

14. Esoteric roots for the two worst teams in baseball Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:15 PM (#2852131)

Sexson was posting a .750 OPS in his last 20 games, and getting on base at a pretty fair clip since he changed his stance (but his power disappeared). That's better than any of his replacements will be able to do.

Even when the Mariners release dead weight they do it in the stupidest fashion possible.

15. Shooty: Now rated AAA by Moody's and S&P! Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:15 PM (#2852132)

Just throwing this out there, but his road stats aren't bad. Maybe he really does just need a change of scenery. 52 ops+ at home, 150+ away. I know these guys are supposed to be heartless robots, but maybe the booing got to him. Also, he kills lefties, so he could be a good bat to have around going down the stretch. A Delgado/Sexson platoon, maybe?

edit: I need to learn to type faster.

16. DosRafaels Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:17 PM (#2852139)

Where's Bavasi when we need him? There's an opening at 1B/DH with Casey Black or Garko's name on it.

17. Baseballing powerhouse Crispix Attacks Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:19 PM (#2852142)

I predict that Richie Sexson and Sidney Ponson will be co-ALCS MVPs, but the Yankees will lose the World Series to the Brewers.

18. MM1f Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:23 PM (#2852149)

17,
That would be lovely. Except that your scenario would mean the Rays lost.

19. kevin Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:24 PM (#2852156)

But who plays first now?

Who else? Hillenbrand.

20. vortex of dissipation Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:25 PM (#2852159)

Riggleman has just stated on the M's pre-game show that his plan is go with Cairo and Vidro at first base. He called them "non-prototypical first basemen".

21. Harveys Wallbangers Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:26 PM (#2852162)

It's pretty well established that Safeco is death to right-handed power hitters. And Richie always struck me as somewhat sensitive. Once he began to struggle and the fans made him the focus of their disgust it's not that surprising that he has tanked.

That and players of his ilk have a nasty habit of driving off the career cliff around this time in their lives.

22. Baseballing powerhouse Crispix Attacks Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:27 PM (#2852165)

23. Shooty: Now rated AAA by Moody's and S&P! Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:28 PM (#2852169)

Riggleman has just stated on the M's pre-game show that his plan is go with Cairo and Vidro at first base. He called them "non-prototypical first basemen".

Damn. Riggleman needs his own late night talk show, because he is hilaripus!

24. RB in NYC (Now with Christmas Spirit!) Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:28 PM (#2852170)

Riggleman has just stated on the M's pre-game show that his plan is go with Cairo and Vidro at first base. He called them "non-prototypical first basemen".

Riggleman also stated he had lung cancer, and his plan was to start a routine of heavy smoking. He called it a "non-prototypical treatment."

25. Esoteric roots for the two worst teams in baseball Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:31 PM (#2852173)

See what I mean? If you're going to play Cairo and Vidro at 1B, why on earth would you bother releasing Richie Sexson? RELEASE JOSE FRICKIN' VIDRO.

God my team(s) suck.

26. Baseballing powerhouse Crispix Attacks Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:31 PM (#2852176)

He could have put Willie Bloomquist at first base and started Sexson as a "non-prototypical" center fielder, as I urged a couple months ago. This would put Ichiro back at his natural position as a full-time RF.

27. Shooty: Now rated AAA by Moody's and S&P! Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:37 PM (#2852193)

Honestly, and I don't mean this to be snarky though it will probably seem that way, but the 2008 Mariners have to be one of the most baffling teams I've ever seen in MLB. Really and truly.

28. Shooty: Now rated AAA by Moody's and S&P! Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:45 PM (#2852217)

Mariners lineup today:

Bllomquist RF
Lopez 2B
Ibanez LF
Beltre 3B
Vidro Dh
Johjima C
Cairo 1b
Reed CF
Betancourt SS

If the A's lose this game, I'm waving the white flag. It's all over.

29. Harveys Wallbangers Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:45 PM (#2852219)

Shooty:

Clearly you have never seen a team handled by Gabe Paul.

Actually, I think Bill's actual father had to be Gabe.

NJ

30. Esoteric roots for the two worst teams in baseball Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:46 PM (#2852224)

Honestly, and I don't mean this to be snarky though it will probably seem that way, but the 2008 Mariners have to be one of the most baffling teams I've ever seen in MLB. Really and truly.

It's alright, Shooty, I follow every single game they play and I agree with this assessment. Some of the baffling moves become easier to understand once you know what was going on behind the scenes (the Japanese ownership mandating the Johjima extension over the strenuous protests of the American FO, for example), but not all of them by any means. Chief among them the continued retension of Vidro's services. I pray to God we get a smarter GM next season. But I do not share the optimism of some of my friends from Lookout Landing who think this team can compete in 2009. It's going to take quite some time.

31. Shooty: Now rated AAA by Moody's and S&P! Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:52 PM (#2852248)

But I do not share the optimism of some of my friends from Lookout Landing who think this team can compete in 2009. It's going to take quite some time.

The good news is that, if a new FO has any semblance of smarts, you will get dramatic increases in production from DH, 1b and the bench. That's a good start. Also, if the rumors are true of the Japanese ownership looking to sell the team, then Clement can begin to take over for Johjima. There is some hope, but the organization just seems to be in a complete shambles now.

32. Jimmy P Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:55 PM (#2852252)

Riggleman also stated he had lung cancer, and his plan was to start a routine of heavy smoking. He called it a "non-prototypical treatment."

I don't normally joke about cancer, but this made me laugh out loud at work. Nicely played.

33. rdfc Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:57 PM (#2852258)

If the Mets were to sign Sexson, they would have an interesting Delgado/Sexson platoon... it would improve the club, but more importantly it would probably be the most expensive platoon (and might even be the most expensive position) ever and a candidate for the worst defensive platoon.

I don't see the Mets being interested in having a roster spot occupied by Sexson, unfortunately.

34. RB in NYC (Now with Christmas Spirit!) Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:57 PM (#2852259)

Mariners lineup today:

(with OPS+)

Bllomquist RF (71)
Lopez 2B (99)
Ibanez LF (113)
Beltre 3B (109)
Vidro DH (58)
Johjima C (55)
Cairo 1B (58)
Reed CF (91)
Betancourt SS (79)

I like those 3 OPS+ in the 50s batting 5-6-7

35. Shooty: Now rated AAA by Moody's and S&P! Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:59 PM (#2852264)

it would improve the club, but more importantly it would probably be the most expensive platoon (and might even be the most expensive position) ever and a candidate for the worst defensive platoon.

They wouldn't have to pay Sexson's salary.

36. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: July 10, 2008 at 04:00 PM (#2852269)

Looking for a silver lining here, the Mariners being so all-around crappy has allowed Reed to re-establish himself as a potentially useful part.

Also, it's nice for Hulett that he got the call, so congratulations to him.

37. aleskel Posted: July 10, 2008 at 04:00 PM (#2852271)

I like those 3 OPS+ in the 50s batting 5-6-7

dear God, that's not a lineup. That's a war crime.

38. Barry`s_Lazy_Boy Posted: July 10, 2008 at 04:01 PM (#2852275)

There is a surprising amount of optimism in this thread regarding Sexson's potential to succeed with another team. The Mariners couldn't trade him for anything? Anything at all? Even if they ate his contract? Pathetic.

I think the optimism is "he could be a platoon player on the small side of a platoon for the league minimum and turn out ok", so I don't see any team that would trade anything for him, let alone pick up any salary.

39. Greg Maddux School of Reflexive Profanity Posted: July 10, 2008 at 04:05 PM (#2852281)

If the A's lose this game, I'm waving the white flag. It's all over.

You should have already gotten off that ship considering Cap'n Bicycle Kick already ran it aground.

40. DKDC Posted: July 10, 2008 at 04:08 PM (#2852287)

Wait, how do the LL guys think they can contend next year?

The offense has an awful lot of holes.

41. Shooty: Now rated AAA by Moody's and S&P! Posted: July 10, 2008 at 04:09 PM (#2852290)

You should have already gotten off that ship considering Cap'n Bicycle Kick already ran it aground.

No way, man. I'm a dreamer.

42. Greg Maddux School of Reflexive Profanity Posted: July 10, 2008 at 04:10 PM (#2852292)

Join me in my new life as a Cub fan. You know you want to.

43. jwb Posted: July 10, 2008 at 04:12 PM (#2852296)

Who else? Hillenbrand.

Don't laugh, kevin. He's playing himself into shape on the York Revolution's dime. In another week, he'll be a lean, mean out machine.

Clearly you have never seen a team handled by Gabe Paul.

Save the Tribe! Kill the Chief! c. 1985 Cleveland bumper sticker.

44. Shooty: Now rated AAA by Moody's and S&P! Posted: July 10, 2008 at 04:12 PM (#2852298)

Join me in my new life as a Cub fan. You know you want to.

Naw. If I adopt another team it'll be the Ham Fighters.

45. rdfc Posted: July 10, 2008 at 04:15 PM (#2852300)

They wouldn't have to pay Sexson's salary.

Yes, but the players in question would still be making the money. You can look at it from either point of view, obviously.

46. Still Waiting on Pork Chops (John R.) Posted: July 10, 2008 at 04:26 PM (#2852316)

Mariners lineup today:

Bllomquist RF
Lopez 2B
Ibanez LF
Beltre 3B
Vidro Dh
Johjima C
Cairo 1b
Reed CF
Betancourt SS

If the A's lose this game, I'm waving the white flag. It's all over.

Could be worse...

Ervin Santana vs. Luis Mendoza
Joe Saunders vs. Matt Harrison
Jered Weaver vs. Warner Madrigal

Angels 1 - Rangers 2

47. Edmundo, survivor of 7 right-sourcings Posted: July 10, 2008 at 04:46 PM (#2852356)

You know, the Giants were supposed to be the train wreck team this year. I'll have to start paying attention to the Mariners, this should be fun. Sure, I feel sorry for you Mariners fans but you might as well start rooting for complete and utter disaster to continue so you can tell your grandchildren that you were there when.

48. Sam Malone's Elbow Problem Posted: July 10, 2008 at 04:49 PM (#2852365)

Top 5th Seattle Inning Summary
- M. Cairo walked
- M. Cairo picked off at first, pitcher to first

About sums up the season right there.

49. Dan Posted: July 10, 2008 at 04:49 PM (#2852366)

Only the Mariners could release Sexson and actually have it be a bad move. Cairo and Vidro splitting time at first base is one of the few things they could have done to downgrade. Maybe they'll give Johjima some time there too, although even if they don't he'll probably DH when Vidro plays first.

50. Walt Davis Posted: July 10, 2008 at 04:52 PM (#2852369)

the 2008 Mariners have to be one of the most baffling teams I've ever seen in MLB. Really and truly.

So who's the Jim Bouton? I put my money on Miguel Batista.

Warner Madrigal

No way!! What a name!

Meanwhile ... the "American Girl Theatre" just sang "take me out to the ballgame" at Wrigley. Even with just the radio feed, I'm fairly sure that was the most embarrassing moment in Cubs' history (and there's no shortage).

51. Harold Reynolds: An Erotic Life (AG#1F) Posted: July 10, 2008 at 04:54 PM (#2852373)

Wasn't Warner Madrigal the voice of "This Week in Baseball"?

52. Dr Love Posted: July 10, 2008 at 05:03 PM (#2852385)

So who's the Jim Bouton? I put my money on Miguel Batista.

RA Dickey also works.

53. Silencio Posted: July 10, 2008 at 05:05 PM (#2852387)

I think some of you are overestimating Sexsons ability to mash lefties. His line since 2003 against lefties is not that much better than his line against righties, 265/369/510 vs 260/336/507.

Still pretty bad move by the Mariners given their alternatives.

54. Baseballing powerhouse Crispix Attacks Posted: July 10, 2008 at 05:05 PM (#2852389)

Batista is the most noted writer on the Mariners.

55. JPWF13 Posted: July 10, 2008 at 05:13 PM (#2852396)

You know, the Giants were supposed to be the train wreck team this year.

I thought they had a chance to be absurdly awful 105+ losses, but no, it looks like they'll just be generically bad and lose 90 games or so.

The 2008 Mariners?
Actually they are not quite on a pace for 100 losses,but nonetheless seem to have the aura that only the "special teams" the 2003 Tigers or the 1962-65 Mets do...

Ok, so they released Sexson, ok, now what?
This is like an organizational temper tantrum, so Sexson sux and is overpaid, but who are you gonna play?

Cairo and Vidro AT 1b- my god, they're worse than Sexson.
My humble suggestion? (from within the organization)

Victor Diaz, career MLB OPS+ of 106 in 485 PAs, hitting .283/.358/.539 in Tacoma, and he's still only 26- sure he tends to eat too much, and Ks too much
but Cairo and Vidro platooning at 1B???????????????

56. Biff, Red Sox Jinx Posted: July 10, 2008 at 05:23 PM (#2852410)

If the A's lose this game, I'm waving the white flag. It's all over.

Well, they seem to be taking care of the Mariners offense as expected. The problem is that the A's need to score.

57. too fat and ugly to play third Posted: July 10, 2008 at 05:30 PM (#2852418)

Join me in my new life as a Cub fan. You know you want to.

Why would anybody want that?

58. Jimmy P Posted: July 10, 2008 at 05:36 PM (#2852422)

Join me in my new life as a Cub fan. You know you want to.

Why don't you just buy a pink Red Sox hat and jersey and jump on that bandwagon?

59. The Ghost of Sox Fans Past Posted: July 10, 2008 at 06:04 PM (#2852445)

I saw the news when I was lunching in a restaurant that had the game on. My exclamation of joy was loud enough to attract a few looks and at least one thumbs up.

This organization makes moves when I least expect them. I figured they'd decided to retain Sexson and Vidro through the July trade deadline to try to get something for them, even if no more than partial salary relief. Then they go ahead and do it. Not even a DFA, just a release.

Vidro does look worse in terms of numbers, but I have an irrational feeling that he is more valuable. Maybe that's just because he can switch hit and pretend to play second as well as first base. Sexson just seems like a one-dimensional player who has lost that dimension.

60. retro-shiite Posted: July 10, 2008 at 06:39 PM (#2852479)

Who is the son of former White Sox utility man Tim Hulett.

Oh my god. Are you serious? I too now feel ancient.

61. retro-shiite Posted: July 10, 2008 at 06:45 PM (#2852489)

Why don't you just buy a pink Red Sox hat and jersey and jump on that bandwagon?

Too passe.

62. xdog Posted: July 10, 2008 at 07:52 PM (#2852520)

#6, thanks for asking and #9, thanks for answering. I've wondered but been to sorry to do either.

63. The Answer to the TWolves (GMoney) Posted: July 10, 2008 at 08:47 PM (#2852536)

The Associated Press reports that the Pirates have traded Craig Wilson to the Mariners for a player to be named.

Wilson was hitting just .230 at Triple-A Indianapolis, but he had managed 10 homers in 217 at-bats, suggesting that his power is back following last year's shoulder surgery. The Mariners could eventually look to use him as part of a platoon at first base.

64. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: July 10, 2008 at 09:05 PM (#2852544)

"The Associated Press reports that the Pirates have traded Craig Wilson to the Mariners for a player to be named.

Wilson was hitting just .230 at Triple-A Indianapolis, but he had managed 10 homers in 217 at-bats, suggesting that his power is back following last year's shoulder surgery. The Mariners could eventually look to use him as part of a platoon at first base."

Hey, good for Craig! He hasn't looked right all season at Indy, but he probably doesn't need to be at full strength to be better than some of Seattle's options.

65. TWO!-OH!-OH!-OH! CLAP!-CLAP!-CLAP!CLAP!CLAP! Posted: July 10, 2008 at 09:27 PM (#2852554)

I'd like to see the Rangers sign him, just to see how quickly Tom Grieve reverses his opinion on Sexson.

66. aljunquin Posted: July 10, 2008 at 09:35 PM (#2852559)

what is Riggleman...some kind of freakin lawyer... proctowhatthefart

KISS

"non-hitting" firstbasemen

67. ValueArb Posted: July 11, 2008 at 01:13 AM (#2852629)

I think some of you are overestimating Sexsons ability to mash lefties. His line since 2003 against lefties is not that much better than his line against righties, 265/369/510 vs 260/336/507.

.369 is way better than .336, OBP is life. And both those lines are pretty good when you factor in half of them were achieved in Safeco.

68. MM1f Posted: July 11, 2008 at 02:20 AM (#2852638)

The Mariners have traded for the corpse of Craig Wilson, currently hitting .230/.327/.396 with 10 homers in AAA Indianapolis (Pirates). They gave up a PTBNL, or will give up I guess, and that PTBNL will probably wind up being just "cash considerations" or some AA backup catcher they were about to cut anyway.

69. Edmundo, survivor of 7 right-sourcings Posted: July 11, 2008 at 08:20 AM (#2852678)

Who is the son of former White Sox utility man Tim Hulett.

Oh my god. Are you serious? I too now feel ancient.

Just wait until the grandchildren of someone you followed play -- and THEN RETIRE! I watched Gus Bell in Cincy when I was a kid, Buddy Bell is a day older than me and watched David Bell in his decline years in Philly.

70. retro-shiite Posted: July 11, 2008 at 08:23 AM (#2852682)

Just wait until the grandchildren of someone you followed play -- and THEN RETIRE! I watched Gus Bell in Cincy when I was a kid, Buddy Bell is a day older than me and watched David Bell in his decline years in Philly.

How close are Daryle Ward's kids to adulthood? (Or Griffey's...) I remember Gary Ward and Griff Sr. pretty well. Prince Fielder's not going to have any progeny in the big leagues for a while yet.

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