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That sound in Seattle is too loud to ignore

Sporting News, The, Dec 4, 1995 by Bob Nightengale

True, so there still are folks in Seattle who wonder where the goal posts are during their baseball games. They still have difficulty understanding the concept of why Randy Johnson can't pitch every, day. There's still more fascination in Jay Buhner's haircuts than Alex Rodriguez's potential.

The Mariners no longer care.

You see, they've got them. They finally have the entire Northwest interested in baseball.

So now, a word of warning:

Don't blow it.

The worst thing the Mariners could possibly do this winter is blow nearly two of goodwill by being cheap or, worse, stupid.

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Sure, the baseball world knows times have been tough in Seattle. The franchise has lost money while the Kingdome has remained empty. But, oh, how times have changed.

That magical September and October, when the entire Northwest embraced. the Mariners, may forever have changed their image. Now it's up to the Mariners to make sure those memories remain alive.

Do not:

* Reduce your $34.4-milhon budget

* Trade away first baseman Tino Martinez unless you get someone just as good.

* Trade away third baseman Edgar Martinez unless you want to be run out of town.

Do:

Get some more pitching, because this team could emerge as the dominant team in the American League.

"There is a perception out there that we are cutting payroll and that is not the case," Mariners President Chuck Armstrong says. "We want to remain competitive and would like nothing better than to repeat as A.L. West champions. Our payroll for next season will be at the 1995 figure or a little higher. This is despite losses in excess of $20 million."

It's difficult to believe the Mariners lost $24 million, considering their $3.5-million post-season $2.5-million ticket surge during the pennant stretch. But even if true, the Mariners have to consider their long-range future.

The Mariners already have received applications for 3,000 new season tickets and expect to renew virtually all of last season's 7,300 season-ticket holders. Never before in franchise history have they ever had 10,000 season-ticket holders.

Keep this team competitive and exciting, and it wouldn't surprise anyone to see this franchise crack 2.5 million in attendance next season. If they start penny-pinching now, then the fans will continue to find something better to do, and worse, Ken Griffey Jr. might decide to play for someone else when he becomes a free agent a year from now.

For starters, this means it is necessary to retain Tino Martinez, who batted .293 last season with 31 homers and 111 RBIs. He is due for a raise that will pay him close to $3 million, but it sure beats shipping him off to the Yankees for starter Sterfing Hitchcock.

General Manager Woody Woodward says Griffey, Randy Johnson and Buhner are untouchable in trades, but it would be ludicrous to trade away Edgar Martinez. It's understandable that the club already has decided to let go expensive righthander Andy Benes and 34-year-old left fielder Vince Coleman, but it would be smart to retain veteran starter Tim Belcher.

"Once we see what we have and what our needs are, and what our payroll looks like," Woodward says, "then we'll look at free agents."

Whatver you do, prove once and for all that you're serious about a winner. You might be surprised how the fans will respond.

Donnie books

He was no longer the player that dominated the '80s, but right until the end, Don

Mattingly was the heart and soul of the Yankees and one of the finest class acts in the game.

Mattingly loved being a Yankee, but at the same time was miserable. He couldn't stand Owner George Steinbrenner's interference, never really got used to the tabloids, and wondered just what it would have been like to play in a small Midwest market as George Brett had done with the Royals.

Mattingly publicly says he's not sure what he wants to do, but by telling the Yankees to go ahead and commit to a first baseman lets the world know he may be calling it quits.

The Yankees suddenly are searching for a first baseman and could have a difficult time finding one. They want Fred McGriff, but McGriff isn't about to set foot in New York; he'll re-sign with the Braves. The Yankees have interest in Mark Grace, but he will return to the Cubs.

This is just the beginning of the breakup of a great Yankee team. Although it has one of the best farm systems, the club won't win another American League East title until the turn of the century, right about the time Mattingly is on the Hall of Fame ballot.

Second to none

He could walk down virtually any major street in the country and not be recognized.

He's never been an MVP candidate nor is considered a shoo-in at the time of All-Star selections.

But, oh, how second baseman Craig Biggio has become a wanted man. He just may be the most prized possession of the free-agent market. Six teams are legitimately bidding for his services, and he knows he will command a minimum of $20 million for four years.

The Rockies made room in their budget for Biggio by dumping catcher Joe Girardi and his $2.25-million salary. The Astros already offered Biggio $20 million to stay and were trying again entering the week. The Mets were set to offer $23 million. And now the Padres have entered the derby.

That sound in Seattle is too loud to ignore

Sporting News, The, Dec 4, 1995 by Bob Nightengale

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