WE NEED HIM BACK: The Owner of Seattle Mariners John Stanton announced to sell the team
The term “step back” is the one aspect of the “step-back” concept that annoys Mariners chairman John Stanton. Although he has never liked it, he has also been unable to think of a new nickname. He will not employ “tear down” or “rebuild.”
He said, “It’s kind of stuck.”
He did, however, note that the process has proceeded as anticipated, with fewer participants and a greater number of losses than victories—all acceptable side effects. Part of the strategy is to keep benching older players with guaranteed contracts.
PART 1: Stanton is both optimistic and frustrated about the Mariners’ “step-back” plan.
The recent transactions of Edwin Encarnacion and Jay Bruce didn’t bring in as much money as some had anticipated. The Mariners were given a modest $3 million salary relief as well as an unexpected potential.
as payment for Bruce. Encarnacion restored $8 million in salary relief as well as a prospect that was previously in the system.
Stanton is miffed with the rumor that the Yankees’ decision to acquire Encarnacion—who was offered less salary relief—was motivated only by financial considerations.
He declared, “I will tell you unequivocally that the situation was not about the money.” It had to do with the prospect we had for a pitch. We had a great feeling about him and could not wait to see him again. We desired the return of that child.
