Seattle Mariners: The sentimental fan and strategic fan’s view on signing Taijuan Walker
There is a debate among Seattle Mariners which pits the sentimental against the strategic fans. Or bringing back another former M’s pitcher to win now vs. developing their young talent.
Here we are on the precipice of another Major League Baseball Season. One that is rife with intrigue and questions. The Seattle Mariners roster situation is no different. Many questions remain as pitchers and catchers report next week.
One of the most significant question marks is whether to add another starting pitcher from the free-agent market. James Paxton is a done deal for the M’s, but last season’s surprise, Taijuan Walker, is still on the market. This has Mariner fans split. On the one hand, his availability this late into the offseason is tugging at the heartstrings of the sentimental. On the other hand, this conversation is annoying to the strategists.
The General Manager Question
Dipoto does have an obligation to balance what is most important for the Seattle Mariners organization while keeping fans interested in the product. The overall answer is winning. Instead of winning, though, sentimental value has a place. Bringing back these two players would placate those sentimental value fans until the Mariners field a winner.
The danger here is an itchy trigger finger. There is plenty of trade value on the farm, and Dipoto could start making moves that involve sending prospects to other teams for veterans. Those prospects’ value depends upon the success that they’ve had at the highest possible level. Adding Walker and/or Paxton would put a ceiling on advancement from our most prized prospects. It also sends a message to the rest of the league that Dipoto doesn’t have faith in our prospect’s abilities beyond Tacoma.
We shouldn’t be surprised when we trade away prospects, especially if we’re in a position to make the post-season this year. This is definitely going to happen; ask San Diego. When it does happen, Dipoto needs to utilize the highest possible value for our prospects. Walker poses a threat against this very important ripple effect. Every single decision has a complicated scenario of consequences that will impact our immediate and long-term future.
Some have gone to social media to post their desires to have Walker rejoin the Mariners. They have even stated that there is strategic value, but these folks are not actual strategists. Using statements like, “we can win now with them on the roster.” It doesn’t mean they are wrong or right as a fan. But it isn’t an ideal strategy.