M’s name untouchables’
SEATTLE — Freddy Garcia just got shipped out of Seattle, and it looks like general manager Bill Bavasi is ready to keep wheeling and dealing.
There are three Mariners, however, who won’t be traded anywhere: lefty Jamie Moyer, designated hitter Edgar Martinez and catcher Dan Wilson.
“Those guys are way too important to the fabric of the community and the organization,” Bavasi said Tuesday. “We’ll have young players coming through this year and next. To have quality veteran influence is important.”
Those were the only three players Bavasi identified as untouchable, but it’s unlikely the Mariners would consider offers for star right fielder Ichiro Suzuki, who signed a four-year $44 million deal last winter.
Moyer’s name has come up frequently in recent trade scenarios, but Bavasi said the left-hander, who signed a three-year contract before the 2003 season, remains too valuable on the mound and in the clubhouse.
“We’ll have our young pitchers coming through,” Bavasi said. “It’s important to have a bellwether veteran leading that pack. That’s why he’s hugely important to us this year and next.”
The 41-year-old Moyer is 6-4 with a 3.80 ERA this season, one year after making his first All-Star game appearance. He was believed to be one of the most marketable Mariners, with the Red Sox and Yankees reportedly interested.
As a matter of policy, Bavasi won’t discuss possible trades.
Martinez, also 41, is one of many Seattle hitters struggling this year. A career .315 hitter and potentially a first-ballot Hall of Famer, he is hitting .246 with six home runs and 34 RBIs.
The 35-year-old Wilson is hitting .273 with two homers and 24 RBIs. Manager Bob Melvin often credits Wilson for his leadership, saying he considers him a manager on the field.
All three of Seattle’s untouchables have 10 years in the majors and five with the Mariners, meaning they could reject proposed trades.
Prospective contenders still would have plenty of talent to choose from on Seattle’s roster, including Gold Glove defenders in first baseman John Olerud and second baseman Bret Boone.
The left-handed batting Olerud is hitting .262 with four homers and 19 RBIs. Boone is hitting .218 with 10 homers and 30 RBIs.
“I’d have to play a lot better for anyone to consider me seriously,” Boone said after Sunday’s loss to San Diego.
Garcia and catcher Ben Davis were traded Sunday to the Chicago White Sox for catcher Miguel Olivo and prospects Jeremy Reed, an outfielder, and Michael Morse, a shortstop.
After announcing the Garcia deal, Bavasi made it clear the front office is looking for ways to boost Seattle’s sagging offense and improve its defensive range while also preparing for coming seasons.
The Mariners are 12 1/2 games behind A.L. West-leading Texas after Tuesday night’s 4-3 win over the Rangers.