You have to have pitching, defense and offense to win (see Angles and Marlins). The Mariners cannot solve all their problems through free agency, like the Yankees. We'll see what the Redsox payroll is this year now the pressure is off a bit with the world series win.

The Mariner's have to start developing players through their farm system and right now, there is more pitching than position players, so I love these signings. If Soriano gets back to where he was at some point next year, that will go a long way in that bullpen. Who knows, Moyer may not be done and Pinero, Meche and Madrich may pull it together.

Both Sexon and Beltre are relatively young, still with upside. Both have power and can play defense. I just read a great article in the Seattle Times talking about how Don Welke, scout for the Dodgers, believes Beltre is on the verge of being the next Sammy Sosa. In all likelyhood, Beltre will put up similar #'s to A-Rod at a discounted price. We finally have a legit #3 hitter again! I wouldn't be surprised if the rest of the Mariner hitters pick it up with this added pop in the lineup.

Above all else, this shows me that the Mariners ownership is willing to take some risk on long term deals and step up and compete with the Angles and Rangers. I think Oakland is on the start of a slide. Billy Beane can only play billy ball for so long and stay ahead of the game.