As anticipated, Erik Bedard appears to be headed to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for a package centered on OF Adam Jones. LHRP George Sherrill and prospects are rumored to be included.

This from Geoff Baker at the Seattle Times (quoting Jones):

On the actual deal itself: “(Bill Bavasi) called me yesterday and told me the news. I’ve got to go to Baltimore tomorrow morning and handle things there. I’m the centerpiece of the deal on the Mariners side. It’s an honor to get traded for such a highly talented pitcher as Bedard is. He’s one of the best. Last year he finished up as arguably one of the top candidates for the Cy Young. He’s that good, so for me it’s an honor. You know, I like Seattle, but if I am in Baltimore, as I think now I am, I’m going to embrace it and have the best time of my life in Major League Baseball.”

From USS Mariner.com

We’re not fans of this deal because we believe that the team will regret giving up Adam Jones. That said, Erik Bedard is awesome, and we welcome him to Seattle.

But this still sucks.

I think USS Mariner is suffering from delusional attachment syndrome. We’ve all been there. It depends on the other players involved, but assuming it’s less than Jeff Clement (reportedly it’s Tillman+), Bedard is a unique talent whose performance has improved dramatically every since 2004 and should be acquired at almost any cost. He’s entering his age 29 season and should be one of the game’s top pitchers for years to come. That is, assuming he’s still a Mariner. He’s got 4.7 years of service time and is due approximately $7m in 2008. If Bavasi locks him up for four years in the $60m range it’s a steal. Losing Sherrill thins the pen, but his 45 IP last year, while excellent, are replaceable.

For the O’s, its a remarkable change of philosophy, and executed well. Right now, this trade is mutually beneficial. It sets up the Mariners to contend with the Angels in the West, and adds another piece to the Baltimore rebuilding effort.

Jones will be a star, but Bedard already is. Bavasi escapes the tar and feathers, for now.