July 24, 200422 yr http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/news/mlb...s_mlb&fext=.jsp Olerud is released Longtime Mariners standout free to sign with any club SEATTLE -- The final thread tying the Mariners with first baseman John Olerud snapped Friday afternoon when the former American League batting champion was released from the final year of his two-year, $15 million contract. The 35-year-old northwest native, who went directly from Washington State University to the Major Leagues in 1989, was designated for assignment on July 15, giving the Mariners 10 days to trade or release him. General manager Bill Bavasi couldn't find a suitable option, leading to Friday's release. "We investigated a lot of different potential opportunities for John, but were not able to find a good match within the 10 days we had to trade him," Bavasi said. "We wish John and his family only the best and thank him for everything he did for the Mariners organization." Olerud spent the last four-plus seasons with his hometown team, helping them reach the AL playoffs in 2000, when he batted .285 and drove in 103 runs, and again in '01 as the Mariners won an AL-record 116 games. The smooth-swinging, surehanded star batted .302, hit 21 home runs and drove in 102 runs. But the second half of last season and the first half of this one indicated that his best offensive days were behind him. He batted .231 in July 2003, .267 in August and .250 in September, hitting just six home runs as the Mariners fell out of first place. The first three months of this season were just as frustrating as the .290 career hitter went 64-for-261 (.245) with five home runs and 22 RBIs in 77 games. As of Friday, Olerud is free to sign with any of the other 29 Major League clubs. "I think the interest will pick up now and he'll end up signing with somebody," manager Bob Melvin said. Any team can sign him for the pro-rated minimum MLB salary, which is $300,000, and the Mariners are responsible for the remainder of his salary. Catcher Pat Borders, also designated for assignment on July 15, has agreed to report to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers. The 41-year-old batted .189 in 19 games with the Mariners this season, but hit .318 since June 11, going 7-for-22 with two doubles, a home run and three RBIs. He also stole a base. Sure he's fallen off a bit and can't hit lefties, and we've got a good kid at first already, but damn if Olerud ain't a better hitter than Lenny Harris or the rest of the bench (ok, maybe not Willingham and Easley). He could get atleast one at bat a night because we play in the NL. Get 'em Admin!
July 24, 200422 yr Uh... no. Let him go elsewhere. He's old, struggling, and not even that good. I don't care about this "change of scenario" crap anymore. Can we please get a proven player?
July 24, 200422 yr He is not a difference maker in a lineup like we need. I am not even sure that Finley is a difference maker anymore. All I know is Carlos Beltran is! Lets get Beltran because the Astros are out of it! Give the Stros' Hutchinson, Stokes, and Josh Wilson.
July 24, 200422 yr He is not a difference maker in a lineup like we need. I am not even sure that Finley is a difference maker anymore. All I know is Carlos Beltran is! Lets get Beltran because the Astros are out of it! Give the Stros' Hutchinson, Stokes, and Josh Wilson. 472994[/snapback] Beltran also adds speed, which is missing in most of the lineup.
July 24, 200422 yr Olerud is a Class Act. Conine is a Class Act. Olerud is a good defensive 1B. Conine is a good defensive 1B. Olerud is a savvy veteran hitter. Conine is a savvy verteran hitter. And Conine is a smoothe Outfielder. So... why would we want Olerud?
July 24, 200422 yr y not sign every player in the MLB that is released and done? its what u all want anyways isnt it?
July 24, 200422 yr Author Olerud is a Class Act. Conine is a Class Act. Olerud is a good defensive 1B. Conine is a good defensive 1B. Olerud is a savvy veteran hitter. Conine is a savvy verteran hitter. And Conine is a smoothe Outfielder. So... why would we want Olerud? 473006[/snapback] Because it's nice to have more than 8 league-average or better hitters on the team?
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