Bring On The Big Hurt

Three weeks into the MLB season, and it’s apparent the 2008 Seattle Mariners can’t hit.

Brad Wilkerson has maintained the futile tradition brought forth by past free agent acquisitions Jeff Cirillo, Rich Aurillia, Scott Spazio and Carl Everett. Jose Lopez and Yuniesky Betancourt continue to sport on base percentages that are nearly identical to their batting averages (if only they could both bat .400). And Kenji Johjima and Jose Vidro seem to have money on who can hover around the Mendoza Line longer.

For a franchise with grand aspirations to play baseball in October, the current offense needs an overhaul. Barry Bonds isn’t happening. The Cincinnati Reds right fielder isn’t happening. But the newly released Frank Thomas – now that’s something that should happen.

Even as he nears 40, The Big Hurt has shown he can still hit at a higher level than anything south of Raul Ibanez. Ignore his current .167 average. Thomas’ 11 RBI’s would place him third amongst Mariners batters. Thomas is also a notorious slow starter. Over the last three years, he’s batted nearly 50 points higher post All-Star break.

It’s blatantly clear the Jose Vidro DH experiment has gone predictably poor. With his weak bat and love handles, Vidro is best equipped to come off the bench as the most expensive situational pinch hitter in baseball history.

Mariners GM Bill Bavasi carelessly ignored what losing Jose Guillen would mean to the offense. Thomas effectively fills that void. He can also can be had at the league minimum (something he’ll gladly take given how pissed he is about being cut by the Blue Jays). Thomas has enough power in his bat to remain unaffected by Safeco Field’s cavernous dimensions. Place him somewhere in spots 3-6 and the entire lineup looks much more dangerous.

Another important thing to mention is Thomas could join Gaylord Perry and Rickey Henderson as surefire Hall of Famers who donned the navy and northwest green near their careers end.

The Mariners have the starting pitching to compete with the best. Once the Putz returns, they’ll have their relief situation in order. Now all that remains is a bat, maybe 2 (Jeff Clement, anyone?).

This is a low risk, high reward acquisition that needs to take place.