Mariners release Richie Sexson and place Bedard on DL

The Seattle Mariners made a couple of moves today, placing Erik Bedard on the disabled list and cutting loose Richie Sexson.

“We felt that at this time it was in the best interest of the ballclub, and in Richie’s best interest, to make this move” (GM) Lee Pelekoudas said.

The Mariners have not yet announced a corresponding move. Sexson, 33, was hitting .218 (55 for 272) with 8 doubles, 11 HR and 30 RBI in 74 games with Seattle this season.

Bedard, who went on the DL for muscle stiffness, has been the topic of trade talks recently with the Mariners moribund season. We believe this is a foolish move. You’re always going to need pitching. Why trade away a good young pitcher who can help you win the next few years if healthy?

“We felt placing Bedard on the disabled list gave us some extra flexibility over the next week,” Pelekoudas said. “It doesn’t change when he would next pitch, and it allows Jim (Riggleman) to have an extra arm in the bullpen.”

We’ve always liked Richie Sexson. We know this probably isn’t the end of the line for him so we’ll save the Richie Sexson tribute post (oh the shame) for another day. He’ll get another chance. We’d even like to see him in Cincinnati, yes Cincinnati. He could play first base and Joe Votto could move to the outfield when we trade Griffey. We can dream.