Other than trading the farm I don't think there's anything even the best GM in the world could do to make this team win 90 games.
So I would go into a pretty full-on rebuilding mode, there's no point winning 75 games in 2007 - may aswell win 65 and get a higher draft pick.
- Talk to the media, explain there's a 3 year plan - that we're going to suck in 2007, should be an exciting young team in 2008, and contend in 2009
- Offer Ichiro a 3 year contract - if he doesn't accept - trade him.
- Trade Sexson, Ibanez, Broussard & Washburn for prospects (mainly pitching)
- Sign Doug Mientkiewicz to a 1 yr (possibly with a team option of another year) contract
- Sign John Thomson & Tomo Ohka to 2 yr incentive laden deals with 3rd yr team options
- Sign Hollandsworth or Burnitz or some other cheap 1 year option
- Should be loads of money in the coffers now so offer contract extentions to Felix, Lopez, Betancourt & Putz.
- Remaining money enables us to go full tilt at the international market in 2007 & 2008
1. Reed CF
2. Snelling - LF/DH
3. Beltre - 3B
4. Guillen - RF
5. Johjima - C
6. Mientkiewicz -1B
7. Lopez - 2B
8. Betancourt - SS
9. Hollandsworth/Burnitz/Dobbs/Hunter Brown OF/DH
Jones, Clement & Lahair replace Reed, Hollandsworth etc & Mientkiewicz if/when ready
1. Felix
2. Thomson
3. Ramirez
4. Ohka
5. Baek
Morrow, Feierabend and acquired prospects move into rotation if/when ready
Yes, this team will really suck - but hopefully the Seattle public will respect the open communication from the FO - and will get excited watching the young team improve from '08 onwards.
To me this is a lot more appetizing scenario than splurging on Zito and struggling to 78 wins or whatever
This team will really struggle