James Paxton returns with the Mariners after two seasons with the Yankees. (Getty)
With the official signing of James Paxton Sailors, general manager Jerry Dipoto can almost close the door in low season.
Mariners Notebook: Servais considers Paxton’s return a “good fit”
The official announcement of the incorporation of Ken Giles into Seattle is the only issue pending when the sailors begin spring training and a better image of Dipoto’s low season, which on the surface seemed deceptively calm, was highlighted. la, while discussing Paxton ‘s signing with the media on Thursday afternoon.
Dipoto was clear in his off-season goals from day one.
I wanted to add several arms to the bullpen. To check. I 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 well or, as it turns out, didn’t work quite right. Are you missing this image? Dipoto’s goal is to add a left-handed bat.
“We were thorough in pursuing the right addition to our training. We fell short at every step, ”he admitted. “We had a number of goals, each of which we thought were the ideal adjustments, and we tried to go out and achieve them. In all of these cases we offered multi-year contracts that seemed to fit what we were trying to do not just for 2021, but for 2022 and, potentially, beyond ”.
Dipoto was looking for a left-handed free agent hitter to help balance the lineup. Ideally, the player could play on left field or second base. There were two that the sailors were especially excited about and a third player that would have worked. The team was connected with Kolten Wong and Tommy La Stella, among others, this winter, but they signed elsewhere. In the end, this may not be a bad thing.
“We were aggressive in this market; we just couldn’t bring in the offensive piece we wanted to add, ”Dipoto said.“ Once we realized the best adjustments for us were off the board, we turned our interest to what the biggest impact we can have. “.
Although they had kept in touch with Paxton and his representation throughout the offseason, they were not the only ones. A strong bull session launched in November had 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 an initial pitcher of a higher impact type,” Dipoto said. “James threw the ball so well in November. I guess they saw the same thing we saw. “
Of course, there was familiarity, a factor that pushed each side to an agreement.
“Going 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 go back to myself this year. It took me a long time to get back from back surgery (in 2020). I’m comfortable here in Seattle, I love the group here and I’m excited to be a part of it. “
If fitting into a young team seems to be a bit off, Dipoto believes Paxton can benefit sailors from more than one.
“Adding James to the launch we have at home gives us a great opportunity to continue to develop our youngsters as we compete to the best of our ability,” he said.
Returning to Seattle two years older and with a very different experience after performing on the largest baseball stage in New York, Paxton also agrees to take on a leadership role.
“The post-season release was fantastic, a great experience for me and something I can share with the guys here,” he said. “Only this pressure, additional pressure you have in New York, having this experience, being able to talk to guys here and tell them the things I’ve learned through this experience, I think will be very beneficial for us as a group. ”
While Dipoto was unable to land what he wanted with a left-handed mouse, he added a left-handed one that could have a substantial impact on Paxton. The rotation is about to be established and the lineup will be shaken and will do so with familiar faces as the low season door is almost closed.
Almost.
“We will go with what we have at home (for the left bat) and we will be open to any other opportunity that comes up with the launch staff,” Dipoto said. “This is an area where you can compile so much depth, better. Keep accumulating it. We need all the pitches like all the other clubs ”.
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