The 23-year-old was 19-5 last season with a 2.49 ERA. In his fifth season in the majors, Hernandez had the best season of his career. In 238.2 innings, he had 217 strikeouts while giving up 200 hits. To end the season, he won 15 of his last 17 decisions and had a 1.98 ERA over that time period.

This is yet another big move the Mariners in this offseason. They have already signed free agent Chone Figgins and traded for Cliff Lee. Although they finished 85-77 last season — 12 games behind the Los Angeles Angles — the Mariners might have to be considered the favorites in the AL West.

Due to the flurry of impressive moves, Mariners fans have fallen in love with GM Jack Zduriencik. If it all pans out, he may consider running for mayor.

Felix Hernandez - Seattle Mariners (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: Knuckle Curve

• Yankees at Red Sox, 4:05 p.m. PT — You’ll be watching this one whether you want to or not. It’s what pays the bills, eh? Chien-Ming Wang goes against Clay Buccholz.
• Angels at Mariners, 7:10 p.m. PT — Jered Weaver and Felix Hernandez… Vlad and Ichiro!… Monkeys and mooses (meese?)… This one’s got it all. Here’s your game of the day.
• Padres at Dodgers, 7:40 p.m. PT — Jake Peavy and Brad Penny hook up for the second time in a week. The big story — at least among people who don’t know much about baseball — is a mysterious substance that appeared on Peavy’s hand in their previous meeting. You’re better than that, though; you recognize that two of the game’s best pitchers will be battling tonight, and that’s what really matters.

Happy, happy…

Post from: Knuckle Curve