Seattle Times

Bavasi still expects to get a deal done for a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher. He never mentions names, but it's clear he was talking about Erik Bedard. It's also clear that Bavasi feels this team is ready to challenge for a playoff spot and is ready to give up Adam Jones and plenty of other names to get a deal done.

"We're in a position now where we have to do our best to make those moves for a top-of-the-rotation guy so we can slot the rest of the rotation where it should be,'' he said. "We feel we have to make a move -- one more move."

Bavasi says he's already put his best offer on the table and that it's now a waiting game. He says there's been a genuine reluctance by some clubs to part with young prospects, but "we're not one of those clubs. We're prepared to move...but there is a limit.''

What would that be?

"I don't think you can give a club its terms and its price,'' he said. "We can move a premier prospect and numbers (of players), but we're not going to move a number of premier prospects."

So, what's going to happen now?

"As I'm sitting here today, I think we will (get a deal done),'' he said. "I think there's a good chance of that."

Odd stance to take - one premier prospect & a bunch of lesser guys but not two premier prospects for an established top-of-the-rotation lefty starter who led the AL in K's before missing the last few games of the season?  And oh, by the way, he's only arby eligible & you control him for at least the next two years??

I like the confidence that this will happen, and it is good news to hear that they've put their best offer up, but I don't get how you can value to premier prospects more than a lefty ace.  Bird in the hand, and all that...

Hope something happens soon.