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When the Mariners traded Cliff Lee to Texas last July, the focus was on having Justin Smoak as part of that package.

Unfortunately, much of the talk from that trade has not been the potential of Smoak, but the issues that come with one of he other pieces of that deal.

Josh Lueke.

In 2008, Lueke faced a rape charge that was later reduced to false imprisonment with violence, which to he plead no contest. Neither crime should be taken lightly, obviously. The original charge is the one that the court of public opinion will always charge him with and he’ll face lots of negative press and fan reaction for that.

The Mariners and Rangers had a public spat about how this information was disclosed and what happened after the Mariners fully knew what was going on. Carmen Fusco, pro scouting director, was fired. Jack Zduriencik uncomfortable read from a script as explained the situation to the media. The “Refuse to Abuse” program grew a collective look of befuddlement.

Here’s the real problem in all of this:

Josh Lueke has major league talent.

If this were some minor league fodder, we can probably safely assume the Mariners would have just sent him back or cut him loose. But, because he has a big arm and projects as a late inning strikeout machine, here we are facing an uncomfortable situation.

The Mariners had been quiet on the situation since. When talking about prospects, Lueke was left out. When talking about Arizona Fall League success stories, Lueke was left out.

Then came a piece on the Mariners official website where Jack Zduriencik was quoted as saying “We view Smoak as a middle-of-the-lineup bat and Lueke as a late-inning guy. Both should be with us in 2011.””

Josh Lueke was not left out. Zduriencik has become known as someone who chooses his words wisely. I’ve gone to events to see him speak candidly a couple times. When he’s asked a question, it’s as if you can see the wheels turning before he answers. He’s an intelligent man who knows about perception and how things can take off if that perception isn’t reality.

So, to have Zduriencik change course probably means the Mariners are having serious thoughts about putting Lueke on the active roster at some point in 2011. That might not be opening day and it probably won’t be the home opener either. My guess would be he gets added during a road trip in the first couple months of the season.

Of course, this also could be very careful plotting by Zduriencik. The Seattle community wasn’t willing to hear about the greatness of this guy with such a bad label, especially during a tumultuous season. However, essentially removing Lueke from existence almost certainly diminished any remaining trade value he had. So, did Jack possibly wait for the dust to settle to start slowly reintroducing the thought of Lueke playing in Seattle, while also trying to raise his trade value?

This is a subject that pulls hard at a lot of baseball fans. How do you root for a convicted criminal? Does the fact that the charges were lessened change your mind at all? Do you believe in giving people second chances? Where do you draw the line in wanting your team to have the best chance to win or having the most trade leverage? Why should this man be permitted to be a role model for children?

There are a lot of questions here that I cannot answer. We all have extremely strong opinions on this, especially those of us who have been touched personally by the crime he was originally charged with.

Whether we agree with Lueke’s inclusion on the team or not, there are 59 days until pitchers and catchers report, and the looming issue has started to be addressed.

Discussion on this subject is welcome in the comments section below. Please, though, keep them civil. I’d like to point out that I’ve tried to not show an opinion in this piece, but only lay out the facts.

Alex Carson is a Seattle Mariners writer and blogger. You can follow him on Twitter @AlexCarson or email him comments, questions or concerns at alexcarson.br@gmail.com

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It has been reported by ESPN’s Buster Olney that the Washington Nationals have agreed to a trade that would send outfielder Josh Willingham to the Oakland Athletics for two young players, one of which has some major league experience.

The two players are currently unidentified, but a source in Oakland had confirmed earlier today that there were serious talks surrounding the Athletics’ interest in Willingham. Prior to the winter meetings, there were multiple sources claiming that Willingham would indeed be traded before the 2011 season and apparently those sources were accurate.

Josh had high hopes of signing a multi-year contract extension with the Nationals, but now he must move on to another city. The Oakland A’s weren’t the only organization interested in Willingham. It has been reported that three or four teams have also showed some type of interest in the 31-year-old outfielder during the winter meetings.

The complete terms of this deal are currently disclosed, pending the physicals of all three players involved. There is only one year left on Willingham’s current contract, and a re-negotiation has yet to be discussed. If a new contract is not agreed to, then Willingham can become a free agent after the 2011 season.

Last season with the Washington Nationals, Willingham played in 114 games, hitting .268 with 16 home runs, 56 RBI’s, and eight stolen bases in 370 at-bats. He missed the final month and a half of play due to a knee injury.

Oakland adds some more fire power to their lineup after acquiring designated hitter Hideki Matsui earlier this week.

An announcement regarding the complete details of this trade may be made as early as Thursday night.  

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Yesterday, the baseball world lost a legend.  Due to leukemia and pneumonia, plus other health problems, Hall of Fame pitcher, war hero, and Cleveland Indians icon Bob Feller passed away at the age of 92.

Being a New York Yankees fan, I never knew much about Feller’s career growing up.  Honestly, my only experience with him prior to writing this article was meeting him on a summer camp field trip to a minor league baseball game when I was 14 or 15.  I remember fans mobbing him before the game, and he was more than happy to sign autographs.

When I passed him my baseball glove, he of course signed it.  Yet, his attitude wasn’t one that I would have expected of a baseball Hall of Famer: he smiled, asked me my name, shook my hand, and even asked if I did well in school before handing me my glove back and telling me to enjoy the game.

To this day, I can’t remember experiencing that same feeling any other time.  A Hall of Fame pitcher had just taken the time to talk to a kid he’d almost definitely never see again.  Where was the arrogance?  Where was the “just going through the motions” look on his face? 

As he threw out the game’s first pitch (and after learning more about him in the past week), I saw a simple man.  He loved the fans, he loved his life, he loved his country.  But most of all, he loved baseball.

I could go on and on about Feller’s career stats.  266 wins (probably could have hit 300 if not for military service), 162 losses, career ERA of 3.25 and 2,581 career strikeouts. But, instead, I’m going to talk about Bob Feller the man.

Ever since his days growing up on an Iowa farm, Feller seemed to love baseball.  His family even built a baseball diamond on their property so he could practice outside of school, where he was the ace of the team’s pitching staff.  He was drafted by the Indians at age 16, making his debut two years later in 1936.

He of course made an immediate impact and remained humble about his success, but showed a whole new side of himself after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.  Immediately after hearing about it, Feller became the first MLB player to voluntarily enlist! 

In four years with the U.S. Navy, he reached the rank of Chief Petty Officer.  To this day, he is the only member of the Hall of Fame with that title.  When asked why he enlisted, his answer was simple: “I don’t consider myself a hero. I did the job that most Americans should have done, and most of them didn’t do. Serving my country was the proudest moment of my life.”

Even after retiring in 1956, Feller stayed close to the city that had embraced him for nearly 20 years.  He and his wife lived in the Cleveland suburb of Gates Mills, and even after his playing days were over, Feller remained involved with the Indians organization.  His number 19 was retired in 1957 and just this past season, at 91 years old, Feller threw out the first pitch at the Indians’ first spring training game.

So, Chief Petty Officer Feller, what can I say that hasn’t already been said?  What honor can I bestow upon you that you haven’t already received?  Eight All-Star berths, one World Series ring, your number retired, and being possibly the most beloved athlete in Cleveland sports history.  That’s quite a list.

I was never an Indians fan.  Heck, most of the time I was cheering for them to lose badly!  Yet, my one short encounter with you proved to me that you weren’t like all the rest.  You loved your work, you loved your country, and most importantly you loved your fans. 

And I’m going to say, if there is “another side,” I hope to see you there someday and would be honored to have a catch with you.  That all being said, Mr. Feller, I salute you!

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According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Florida Marlins are hammering out a deal with lefty reliever Randy Choate. 

The 35-year-old left-hander pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays last season and had a 4.23 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 44.2 innings. Used in smart matchup situations, he limited left-handed batters to a .202 batting average in 138 plate appearances. 

Choate was labeled a Type B free agent this offseason, and he’ll net Tampa Bay a supplemental-round draft pick when he signs with the Marlins or any other team for that matter. 

The Florida Marlins have changed their direction from a team who made only subtle moves in 2009. This offseason the Marlins have traded Dan Uggla to the division-rival Braves for Mike Dunn and Omar Infante, signed catcher John Buck to a three-year, $18 million contract and snatched Javier Vazquez from the pitching thin free-agent market with a one-year deal. 

The Marlins attempted a three-team trade that would’ve involved dealing Ricky Nolasco and Leo Nunez in order to acquire 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke, but talks fell through. 

Additionally, the club’s early moves centered around dumping their return from the Miguel Cabrera trade by dealing Cameron Maybin to the San Diego Padres for bullpen help in relievers Edward Mujica and Ryan Webb. 

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New York Mets pitching prospect Jenrry Mejia scattered two hits while walking one and striking out four over three shutout innings for the Tigres del Licey in the Dominican Winter League on Friday.

The 21-year-old, making his second start of the fall, fanned three Aguilas batters in the first inning, working around a one-out double followed by a walk, and he recorded three ground ball outs in the second frame to set down the side despite an error by veteran first baseman Wily Mo Pena.

Mejia surrendered a double to Hector Luna, who finished 5-for-6 with three RBIs, in the top of the third frame, but got Edwin Encarnacion to ground out to short and Kevin Barker to fly out to center to complete his outing.

The start was much sharper than his first appearance last Sunday—his first game since being sidelined with shoulder problems in September—in which he gave up a pair of runs on three hits and three walks over 2.1 innings to Escogido.

ESPN’s Adriano Torres reported that Mejia got up to 96 mph on his fastball and that Licey pitching coach Guy Conti was impressed with his progress and poise.

Mejia, who was 0-4 in 33 appearances with the Mets in 2010, will likely start the 2011 season in Triple-A Buffalo where he will be further stretched out as a staring pitcher.

In nine starts across four Minor League levels last year with the Gulf Coast Mets, St. Lucie, Binghamton and Buffalo,  the right-hander went 2-0 with a 1.28 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 42.1 inning. He also threw a complete game shutout for the B-Mets in the Eastern League.

But while Mejia continues to make a positive impression on members of the Mets Minor League field staff, the same cannot be said for headcase Oliver Perez who, unfortunately, is likely to play a much bigger role in the early stages of next season at the Major League level.

Perez faced just one above the minimum over the first three frames in his start for the Tomateros de Culiacan in the Mexican League on Friday night before imploding in the middle innings.

He yielded back-to-back two-out homers in the fourth inning and then gave up a leadoff double in the fifth that came around to score to tie the game at 4-4 in the fifth. Perez recorded two outs in the sixth but was unable to finish his start on a high note, walking first baseman Japhet Amador and surrendering a single to No. 7 hitter Mario Valenzuela. Both baserunners would come around to score.

The final line on Perez read six earned runs on six hits with two walks, three strikeouts and two home runs over 5.2 innings.

The loss was the southpaw’s second in a row and he now sports a 5.73 ERA over nine appearances.

Perez was hit-and-miss in his first two starts and even though he struck out eight and walked six over a combined 10 innings, he kept putting up zeros.

Things have not been as smooth in his last two outings, where he has allowed 15 baserunners nine runs in seven innings.

Perez obviously still has some things he needs to work on throughout the winter and hopefully he will be able to respond next Wednesday with a more positive performance.

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According to a report by Jim Salisbury, Philadelphia Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. has acknowledged that the Phillies have not only discussed dealing for Kansas City Royals’ ace Zack Greinke internally, but they have also talked to the Royals about potentially making a trade. While Amaro contends that the possibility of this deal occurring remains slim, any acknowledgement of interest from the highly ambitious and normally tight lipped Amaro means that the possibility does exist.

Much like Pat Gillick, the former Phillies GM and upcoming Hall of Fame Inductee who mentors him, Amaro has developed a reputation of being willing to trade for top quality talent, especially starting pitchers. In his two year stint as general manager for the Phillies, he has traded for three legitimate ace pitchers in Cliff Lee (who he later traded away to Seattle), 2010 National League CY Young winner Roy Halladay, and former Houston Astros ace Roy Oswalt. 

What do all three of these trades have in common? They were all preceded with very little fanfare on the part of the Phillies and Ruben Amaro in particular. In the weeks leading up to the Cliff Lee trade near the trade deadline of the 2009 season, it was well known throughout baseball that the Phillies were trying to work out a deal for Roy Halladay, who was then a Toronto Blue Jay. As the deadline approached, Amaro decided to trade for Cleveland Indians’ pitcher Cliff Lee at a relative bargain price rather than sell the farm in order to acquire Halladay. Of course, this turned out to be a very good thing when Lee, pitching in his first postseason, led the Phillies to within two victories of a second consecutive World Series Championship.

In the end, however, Amaro got his man, acquiring for Roy Halladay last December in a trade that caught many off guard. In the time leading up to the trade, Amaro admitted that the Phillies still had an interest in Halladay but repeatedly said that the possibilities of a deal remained remote. Even more shocking though, was his decision to trade World Series hero Cliff Lee to Seattle in order to lower the payroll and restock the farm system. It was a decision that still haunts him to this day, although he did partially redeem himself by acquiring Roy Oswalt at last year’s trade deadline. (This trade was also a bit of a surprise.)

It is clear that Ruben Amaro is not only willing and able to make big time trades, but that he also likes to fly under the radar when doing so. This does not mean, however, that Amaro is being deceitful by calling any deal for Greinke a long shot. There are multiple obstacles that would hinder any trade for the Royals’ ace.   

First and foremost is that the Royals are listening to offers for Greinke, but have no pressing need to move him, so they will not accept anything less than what they feel is fair value. The Phillies’ farm system has lost some of its more valuable prospects in the previously mentioned trades, but there are still enough quality pieces there to get a trade done. The question is whether or not they will be willing to lose even more of their prospects, especially as fears that the Phillies are becoming too old have started to be raised by both the fans and the media.

Another potential problem is Greinke’s trade clause, which lets him veto trades to up to 15 different teams. Whether or not the Phillies would be one of these teams is not known, but it has been reported that Greinke wants to go to a contender, which the Phillies are. However, it has been speculated by some people that he would prefer a small market team where he would not be hounded by the media.

From the Phillies’ side of things, the biggest hold up if they decide that Greinke is worth the Royals’ asking price is the additional payroll that Greinke would add. In order to acquire him, they would either need to trade away at least one of their big league players (possibly Raul Ibanez or Joe Blanton) or go over their self imposed $150 million cap. They have stated that they would be willing to go over their cap for the right player, which Greinke, the 2009 AL CY Young Award winner, would probably be. 

Despite all of these obstacles, if the Phillies do find a way to acquire Zack Greinke, they would have not only the best pitching staff in all of baseball, but one of the top rotations of all time. With the offensive output down across the board last season, adding Greinke could go a long way, especially if this downward trend continues.  Although starting pitching is relatively low on the Phillies’ priority list for this off-season a pitcher of Greinke’s caliber is worth acquiring no matter what your other needs are. In his short time as general manager, Ruben Amaro has consistently shown that he usually has a card or two up his sleeve, and don’t be surprised if this time that card is another ace.

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In the wake of Red Sox GM Theo Epstein channeling his inner Daniel Snyder and finally winning an off-season I find it interesting how investing somewhere around $300 million in your offense can make your fans forget what the real problem was last year-pitching and defense.  

While it’s exciting to see the likes of Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez being brought to Boston—two players I’ve personally speculated for the last two seasons about seeing here-their presence does nothing to solve the real problems of last season-pitching.

Following the addition of John Lackey last off-season, creating what was supposed to be one of the strongest 1-2-3 punches in the league in terms of starting pitching, the Red Sox saw a decline from the prior season in the following statistical categories: Runs and runs allowed per game, complete games, shutouts, walks issued, and strikeouts.  To be fair another category also increased from ’09 to ’10; errors, which increased by 45 over the season before last.

What’s truly scary about the addition of Gonzalez and Crawford is the perception that offense was the problem in Boston last season, when in fact not much could be further from the truth. In the AL last season the Red Sox ranked second in runs scored, home runs, and RBI’s, trailing only the Yankees in runs and RBI’s and the Blue Jays in home runs.

While the best hope for a return to glory might seem to be hoping that John Lackey improves upon the third lowest ERA he’s ever posted (4.44), or that Josh Beckett can get away from posting the lowest strikeout total in a season since 2002 when he was 22 and only won 6 games for the Marlins, adding players of the caliber of Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford that can help all over the field-and not just in the batter’s box-certainly can’t hurt.  

Of course neither can replacing Adrian Beltre and his team’s second worst 19 errors essentially with Gonzalez -who has posted double digits in errors in a season only once-probably won’t hurt either as the defensive prowess Beltre was supposed to bring to Boston never really materialized.

At the end of the day I think I speak for all Boston fans when I say: Welcome to Boston Carl and Adrian, it’s great to have you here.  Just so long as those same Boston fans don’t forget where our actual problems were last year…

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Just moments ago it was announced Theo Epstein pulled another fast one on Red Sox Nation by signing Carl Crawford to a seven year, $142 million deal.  The deal comes as a relative surprise since, even though the Red Sox loved what Crawford brings to the table, they already acquired the big time left handed bat (Adrian Gonzalez) and historically do not go on these Yankee-like spending sprees.  Regardless the Red Sox front office has responded to last seasons disappointing third place finish, much like the New York Yankees prior to the 2009 season, by making some franchise altering moves.

Prior to last weekend many in Red Sox fans were sensing doom and gloom, especially when it became known the Yankees could be going after Cliff Lee AND Carl Crawford.  However, after the trade for Adrian Gonzalez the fans’ appetite for off season drama was filled, at least for a day.  It seemed like mere minutes after Gonzalez press conference that everyone wanted to know what Theo Epstein had planned next.  Many were looking at the bullpen (including myself), a cheaper right handed leftfielder, such as Magglio Ordonez or Josh Willingham, but no one really expected this.  Carl Crawford signing was merely an awesome idea to many Red Sox fans, considering what his price would be after Jayson Werth literally was signed for twice his worth, but never the less, Theo Epstein delivered.  

Some may say this deal is not smart for a player whose game is predicated  on speed but the front office has proven it is willing to spend on a marquee free agent (John Lackey does not count) and stay competitive in an ever improving division.  Regardless of how Crawford and Gonzalez perform this season no one can say the Red Sox did not try to become a World Series contender for years to come.

However, let’s just assume Crawford and Gonzalez perform as they are expected to and imagine a lineup like this:

1. Ellsbury

2. Pedroia

3.Gonzalez

4. Youkilis

5. Crawford

6. Ortiz

7. Scutaro/Lowrie 

8. Saltalamacchia

9. Drew

That is a lineup with 105 wins written on it.  Obviously the pitching will have a lot to say about that any wins, but the point is it is an extremely potent lineup.  

Some may wonder as to why Crawford, known for his speed, is in a power slot like the fifth spot, but it seems fitting since he does not want to lead off, Pedroia is the number two hitter, period, and Gonzalez and Youkilis have more power.  Plus with Drew batting ninth, the Red Sox could have three lead off type hitters (Drew is considered a lead off hitter because of his on-base percentage abilities) in each third of the lineup.  

Does Carl Crawford signing instantly mean this team should be pre-ordering rings?  Absolutely not.  I still maintain the biggest key to this team’s success is the bullpen, specifically Jonathan Papelbon having a bounce back year, and if Josh Beckett and John Lackey gain regain at least a shadow of themselves.  Either way Theo Epstein and the Red Sox brass have provided the most anticipation for Opening Day since 2004. 

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The Boston Red Sox are making up for their poor 2010 season by making a big splash this offseason.

After trading for first baseman Adrian Gonzalez last week from the San Diego Padres, the Red Sox have reportedly signed free agent outfielder Carl Crawford to a 7 year, $142 million contract, according to the Boston Globe’s Peter Abraham.

Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal has confirmed the deal as well.

As of Wednesday the Red Sox were not considered Crawford’s first choice, many believed the coveted outfielder was leaning toward signing with the Los Angeles Angels.

Crawford has played in the AL East his entire career as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, so he knows the Red Sox front office is dedicated to building a winner every season.

With the additions of Gonzalez and Crawford, are the Red Sox the favorites to win the World Series next season?

Right now, you’d have to say yes.

Boston nearly made the playoffs last year despite missing major players such as Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, and Jacoby Ellsbury to lengthy injuries. 

With Crawford likely to be the leadoff man in the lineup, the Red Sox finally have a speed demon on the basepaths. Ellsbury’s constant injury struggles have rid the Sox of their only speed threat.

Crawford is a very good fielder, and like most everyone, will probably see his batting statistics improve due to playing 82 games a year in the hitter friendly confines of Fenway Park.

With Crawford playing the role as the best outfielder on the team, and still at a young age, Ellsbury becomes expendable.

Although, coming off a poor season, Ellsbury is not likely to be moved until the tradin deadline, because he currently has perhaps the lowest trade value of his young career.

Gonzalez gives the Red Sox a little bit of everything. His hitting credentials are well known, but he is a superb defensive player, having won two gold gloves.

Gonzalez has accumulated at least 30 home runs and 99 RBIs in each of the least four seasons, and accomplishing this feat in the pitcher heaven of Petco Park in San Diego makes it more impressive.

Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein has done well so far this winter to improve the team, but he has yet to improve the biggest weakness of 2010, the bullpen.

The bullpen roster is likely to be much different on opening day than it is now. With the Red Sox having spent a lot of money on two guys already, they will likely find some cheap, veteran relief pitchers.

With the Red Sox asserting themselves this offseason with a determination to go back to the World Series, their archrival New York Yankees now have to sign Cliff Lee. Do they even have a choice?

The only Yankees headlines this winter were the re-signings of captain Derek Jeter, and hall of famer to be closer Mariano Rivera.

With the additions of Crawford and Gonzalez, the Red Sox have a better all around lineup than the Yankees, and are younger as well.

Boston’s starting pitching is very deep too, and veterans Josh Beckett and John Lackey are sure to bounce back after injuries and inconsistency plagued their 2010 seasons. 

Jon Lester has emerged as a staff ace, and Clay Buchholz has become a player who could be a perennial all star.

The Red Sox are not done loading up for a serious 2011 run, but what they’ve done so far is very impressive.

They have acquired an offensive machine in Gonzalez for not to steep of a price in terms of prospects given up, and have acquired a young and athletic outfield star in Crawford.

But more importantly, they have kept these two players away from their competitors in the American League.

Boston will be fully healthy to start next season, and will be armed with the best lineup Red Sox fans have ever seen.

It’s fair to say, that for now, the Red Sox are the clear favorites to win the 2011 World Series.

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According to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Brewers GM Doug Melvin confirmed that the Brewers were one of the teams that met with Carl Pavano and his agent, Tom O’Connel, on Tuesday.

Melvin was rather tight lipped about the meeting saying, “I don’t want to get into anything other than we met with him.”

According to most, Pavano is considered the next best remaining free-agent starter after Cliff Lee and that’s not saying much. This year’s free-agent class is practically devoid of impact arms and probably the next best one, Jorge de la Rosa, has already re-signed with the Colorado Rockies.

If the Brewers are serious in their pursuit of Pavano, they will have competition. There have been multiple reports that the Minnesota Twins are making a strong push to re-sign the 34 year-old right-hander. There have also been reports that the Washington Nationals have serious interest as well. I would assume that their interest may diminish if they are able to pry Cliff Lee away from his other suitors.

Many believe that Pavano and his agent are seeking a three-year deal in the $30-$40 million range. For a pitcher with a lengthy injury history like Pavano’s, the risk with that type of deal is enormous to a team like the Brewers.

The Brewers have been through this before. This stinks a bit like that massive failure that was Jeff Suppan. If Melvin is serious and spends that kind of money on Pavano, he needs to be prepared for the backlash he will receive from Brewer Nation.

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