James Paxton returned with the Mariners after two seasons with the Yankees. (Getty)
With Mariners signing official James Paxton, general manager Jerry Dipoto can almost close the door out of season.
Notebook Mariners: Servais calls Paxton’s return an “excellent match”
The official announcement of the addition of Ken Giles from Seattle is the only thing going on as sailors begin spring training and a better picture of Dipoto’s off-season – which, on the surface, seemed deceptively quiet – he came to attention as he discussed Paxton’s signing with the media on Thursday afternoon.
Dipoto was clear in his goals off the season from day one.
He wanted to add more arms to the bullpen. Check it out. He wanted to add a headline and did so with the signing of Chris Flexen. After that, he said he wouldn’t mind adding another one if things worked properly or, as it turns out, didn’t work properly. Are you missing your image? Dipoto’s goal is to add a left-handed bat.
“We were exhaustive in pursuing the right complement for our range. We just fell short at every step, “he admitted.” We had a number of targets, which we thought fit ideally, and we tried to go out and take them. In all these cases, we offered contracts on May many years, which seemed to match what we were trying to do not only for 2021, but for 2022 and potentially after. ”
Dipoto were looking for a left-handed player with a free agent to help balance the team. Ideally, the player could play left field or second base. There were two sailors who were very excited and a third player who would have worked. The team was connected to Kolten Wong and Tommy La Stella, among others, this winter, but signed elsewhere. In the end, it may not be a bad thing.
“We were aggressive in that market; we simply failed to bring the offensive piece we wanted to add, ”Dipoto said. “Once we realized that the most appropriate for us were off the picture, we turned our interest to what is the biggest impact we can have.”
Although they kept in touch with Paxton and his representation throughout the season, they were not alone. A strong bullpen session, launched in November, made the teams interested, keeping Paxton in the category of daring to dream for sailors.
“We didn’t really think it was very likely that we would be able to score a starting pitcher with a top impact,” Dipoto said. “James threw the ball so well in November. I think they saw the same thing we saw. ”
Of course, there was familiarity, a factor that pushed each party closer to an agreement.
“Coming back to Seattle was the best long-term decision for me to look forward to in my career and what I want to do,” Paxton said. “I want to come back this year. I really struggled to get back from the back operation (in 2020). I feel comfortable here in Seattle, I love the band here and I’m excited to be a part of it. ”
If matching for a young team seems a little off, Dipoto believes Paxton can benefit sailors in many ways.
“Adding James to the pitching we have inside gives us a great opportunity to continue to develop our youth, while competing as much as we can,” he said.
Returning to Seattle two years older and with a very different experience, after playing on the biggest baseball stage in New York, Paxton is also prepared for the role of leader.
“The post-season launch was fantastic, a wonderful experience for me and something I can share with the guys here,” he said. “Just that pressure, extra pressure that you have in New York, that experience, the opportunity to talk about it with the guys here and tell them the things that I learned through that experience, I think this will be very beneficial for us as a group. ”
While Dipoto failed to land what he wanted in a left-handed bat, he added a left that could have a substantial impact on Paxton. The rotation is close to setting and the line will shake itself and do so with familiar faces, as the out-of-season door is almost closed.
Close.
“We will go with what we have in the house (for the left-handed bat) and we will remain open to any other opportunities that arise with the pitching staff,” Dipoto said. “This is an area where you can compile as much depth as possible. Keep squeezing it. We need all the land just like all the other clubs. ”
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