Friday, September 26, 2003
WHAT WAS THE TURNING POINT OF THE MARINERS 2003 SEASON?
Because of the arbitration loss, the Mariners' ability to work a deal at the trade deadline in July has been impacted. The Mariners annually build a contingency fund into their budget, and the difference between the club's offer and Garcia's winning figure will have to come out of those funds.
The club doesn't reveal the size of its contingency fund, but it is believed to be in the area of $2.5million. That means Garcia's win claims a full 40 percent of the contingency fund.
"It's going to have a significant impact on the budget," CEO Howard Lincoln said. "Will it impact what we'll be able to do in July? Clearly, the answer is yes."
Unfortunately, it did affect the M's willingness to deal in July. I had a feeling this would come back to bite them in the ass. And it did.
In 2003, Freddy Garcia was 12-14 with a 4.51 ERA. You can't tell me that Howard Lincoln calling him out didn't affect him this season. As far as I'm concerned, in hindsight, February 12 was a big turning point in the Mariners season.
And sadly, it didn't have to be that way.
The club doesn't reveal the size of its contingency fund, but it is believed to be in the area of $2.5million. That means Garcia's win claims a full 40 percent of the contingency fund.
"It's going to have a significant impact on the budget," CEO Howard Lincoln said. "Will it impact what we'll be able to do in July? Clearly, the answer is yes."
Unfortunately, it did affect the M's willingness to deal in July. I had a feeling this would come back to bite them in the ass. And it did.
In 2003, Freddy Garcia was 12-14 with a 4.51 ERA. You can't tell me that Howard Lincoln calling him out didn't affect him this season. As far as I'm concerned, in hindsight, February 12 was a big turning point in the Mariners season.
And sadly, it didn't have to be that way.
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