Seattle Mariners decline three options: Jose Lopez, Erik Bedard, and Russell Branyan
The Seattle Mariners declined to exercise 2011 club options for Jose Lopez, Erik Bedard, and Russell Branyan on Wednesday. The decision will save the club $17.5m in salary for next season.
Third baseman Lopez would have received $5 million, but after his worst statistical year since he entered the Majors in 2006, the Mariners decided his money could be better spent elsewhere. He hit .239
in 2010 with 10 home runs and 58 RBIs.
The Mariners still have control of Lopez, although he’s eligible for arbitration, and the team may allow him to enter free agency if they non-tender him. A better option for the team would be to trade
him, but he may not bring much back. The club has until 2 December to decide if they want to non-tender him and make him a free agent.
The team will save $8m with Bedard, who had missed the entire 2010 season after requiring shoulder surgery. Bedard will receive a $250,000 buyout.
Designated hitter Branyan will receive a $500,000 buyout after hitting .215 for Seattle in 2010. The 34-year-old, who will be 35 by next spring, hit 15 home runs in 57 games for the Mariners. He would
have been paid $5 million for the 2011 season.
After finishing in last place in the American League West division, the Mariners needed to make changes, primarily on offence. By not picking up these options they’ve made room to sign a player or two
to help out at the plate.
"In the big picture, you can look at it and say we're developing nice pieces in the Minor Leagues," general manager, Jack Zduriencik said. "Those are positive things. At the same time, we want to do everything
we can that makes sense to make the big league club the best it can be."
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