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In my continued review of the talent in the organization and also doing radio interviews, podcasts and other print media interviews, I can see what the general feeling is about the team. Based on the numbers from our sales and marketing department, public sentiment is lower than the approval rating of the president. Based on our studies and a fan rating system used throughout the league, our number comes in at 46. Our season tickets sales last year were 8,768 and we are projected to hit 8800. One of the worst things a pro sports franchise can do is create fan apathy and that's what the Mariners have right now.
Knowing in my mind that I need to drum up some serious interest in the fan base I begin looking for unsigned players that might be able to help but also have some level of (positive) fan recognition. The pickings are slim to be sure.
But before I get to that its time for another meeting with team owner John Stanton who is also talking about the fan apathy he is seeing in Seattle and even here in Peoria.
Stanton - I will get right to the point, the fans are reacting very poorly to our "re-imagining" plan. I am trying to not over-react but since Jerry's departure a lot of folks are coming out of the woodwork to speak up.
GM Martin - Yes I have noticed the fan apathy while doing interviews around the horn. There also appears to be a bit of a negative opinion of Manager Scott Servais as well.
Stanton - Well you've met him now and have talked to him, what do you think.
Martin - Honestly, if he didn't have a 4 year contract, I might be discretely searching for his replacement.
Stanton - Don't let the contract stop you. If the team struggles as badly as many are predicting, you will not have a problem from me to hire your own guy. But back to my hopes for the season. I have a few goals for you.
1.) I know we are not considered a contender, but I would like to see us at least keep 500 in clear view.
2.) I would like you to bring in a top flight player, preferably someone that the fans also like and might get excited to buy tickets to see.
3.) My long term goal would be to build up the team to reach the playoffs by 2024, but if you do it sooner I will not complain.
Martin - I'll see what I can do Boss.
To try and address some of these things and at least try and get us competitive I start scouring the waiver wire, the trade block and also if there are any free agents that might help.
Arizona has dangled SP Madison Bumgardner who's contract for 2020 is very easily handled, but it jumps up to the mid-$20m after this season. He is 30 and while maybe not the stud he once was, he shouldn't be so easily moved. I have my scout take a closer look at MadBum as he will fit into our plans this season, but could be an albatross in future years. Arizona's primary motivation seems to be financial which makes me wonder why they signed him in the first place. (Note to self - proceed with caution).
Also with Mitch Haniger on the shelf for at least 2 months, we have a gaping hole in RF and are lacking power overall. I really need to look to see if we can find a power hitter with some crowd pop. Right now Servais is playing Carlos Gonzalez, but Gonzo looks done and I do not have him making the Opening Day roster. One possibility is that won't address the fan pop issue, is we bring up young OF Kyle Lewis. Kyle is 24 and played most of last season at AA Arkansas but did have a cup of coffee with the M's. He didn't hit too bad at 261 and 6 homers in 71 AB's but I'm not sure he is ready. AAA might be the best for him, but if we don't make any other move in RF he will be the guy.
We have entered discussions with the Orioles on an OF who might suit our needs. He is young and has some power. Truth be told I'm not sold on Mallex Smith as our LF as he is more a CF type with speed and very little pop. Right now Servais is playing him in LF and starting Braden Bishop in CF.
Another power hitting name that has come up is in Detroit. He doesn't fit the OF profile, but he could play first and let Vogelbach DH. He isn't cheap on the money, but maybe the Tigers will retain a bit as it is known around the league they are trying to shed some salary.
I'll also start shopping around Cargo, not expecting much and we will likely release him but if we can get a youngster or someone who could help this season we will try.
(OOC: Arizona dangled Bumgardner for Cargo which would be too much of a steal even with that salary. If I do decide to roll the dice with MadBum, I'll at least give them something that might turn into something).
We open the season in just 5 days, so its time to act quickly.
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