Jack Zduirencik's No. 1 Priority Should Be Pitching

The Seattle Mariners are said to have their priority on offense. In my book, pitching is the bigger issue. Not new pitching (although Ben Sheets would be a nice acquisition), but sign Felix Hernandez to a long-term contract before he wins the 2009 Cy Young award. Felix Hernandez is a flat out beast. He is able to strike guys out, win games, and get a low ERA. If the team signed him to a six-year, 40-million dollar deal, the Mariners would have a great bargain on their hands. But Hernandez shouldn't be the only one they sign. Jack Zduirencik should sign Brandon Morrow, Ryan Rowland-Smith, Roy Corcocan, Sean Green, Michael Pineda, and Philipe Aumont to long-term contracts to ensure elite pitching in the years to come. As for 2009, the Mariners might go for one more starter. My personal preference would be Ben Sheets, Oliver Perez, or acquire a starter via trade. Let's just hope that Jack Zduirencik will make deals like he has been. (link)