M's to sign Washburn to a 4 year deal

[Providence A's]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2263156

SEATTLE -- The Seattle Mariners are nearing a four-year deal with free-agent pitcher Jarrod Washburn, filling the team's need for another veteran arm in the starting rotation.

Washburn, who was fourth in the American League with a 3.20 ERA last season, was close to a four-year deal worth between $35 and 40 million, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press Friday night, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deal was not yet in place.

The News Tribune of Tacoma first reported the parties nearing an agreement on its Web site.

After spending his first seven years with the Los Angeles Angels, Washburn became a free agent on Dec. 7 after the Angels declined arbitration for the 31-year-old left-hander. General manager Bill Stoneman had previously said the team was not going to try and re-sign Washburn.

Washburn's agent, Scott Boras, had been pursuing a five-year deal for Washburn.

A deal could be completed this weekend, the source said.

wow...I guess this means no Millwood?

[DirtyKash]

J-Wash, J-Mo and F-Her ... not too shabby a rotation

[777rak]

J-Wash, J-Mo and F-Her ... not too shabby a rotation

lol good notice

[Element]

I think this will be a pretty good move for the M's. We may actually have a team that won't finish in last place! (But don't hold your breath!)

[love_that_reefer]

I like Washburn and really hoped the Giants would have gotten him but Morris will do. Jarrod had a good year last year and should do well in Seattle.

[MarinersFan87]

I'd prefer Millwood, even with the extra 3 mil/year, but it sure is better than nothing. He should pitch well in Safeco.

[Porter]

id prefer Washburn if he pitched like he did in the WS year. but i wouldn't mind taking both pitchers.

[Providence A's]

it is official:

http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/NAS...2005&fext=.jsp

Both scored what they seem to think is a major hit on Monday by agreeing to a reported four-year, $36 million contract that will allow Washburn to stay in the American League West and Bavasi to continue to renovate the Seattle starting rotation.

Washburn, 31, made $6.5 million last year with the Angels and went 8-8, but his 3.20 ERA ranked fourth in the AL and was his lowest mark since his watershed season of 2002, when he went 18-6 with a 3.15 ERA as the ace for the Angels team that won the World Series.

[love_that_reefer]

Good for the M's