Seattle to resign Franklin G.

[Porter]

M's moving toward four-year deal with Gutierrez

The Seattle Mariners are close to wrapping up center fielder Franklin Gutierrez to a four-year contract for $20.5 million, according to MLB.com.

Gutierrez became a key component in the Mariners' turnaround last year after being acquired by trade in general manager Jack Zduriencik's first major move.

Im glad that they are resigning Franklin. He got better as the season went on and could be the next solid CF for what seems to be a staple in Seattle.

[CrimsonNW]

What a deal. Here's hoping he continues to improve at the plate. Improvement in center will be damn near impossible after his stellar year in 2009. But what a deal. Glad Guti's on board.

Now only one more extension to take care of Jack Z...

[Porter]

He was hitting over .290 or so since the All-Star Break. if he keeps that pace this is a steal considering Vlad Guerrero got about the same pay for one year.

By the way, welcome back Crimson.

[CrimsonNW]

He was hitting over .290 or so since the All-Star Break. if he keeps that pace this is a steal considering Vlad Guerrero got about the same pay for one year.

By the way, welcome back Crimson.

A better comparison that makes this deal look all the better is Vernon Wells. The Jays poured an incredible amount into him. That was risky. Vernon was a guy with a gold glove and a stick to go along with it. He got an absurd contract. Now he went through dramatic regression at the plate and also in center.

Contrary to this, the Mariners just signed a guy coming off one of the best defensive seasons a guy can have in center field. He's also a guy that just broke out offensively with some obvious room for improvement.

This deal is outstanding. At worst, we have a guy who will play stellar defense for four more years (and maybe five) for only $20 million. God forbid, if he gets hurt or can't hit at all, the Mariners aren't out of much money at all (see for opposite effect: Carlos Silva) and they still have a potential gold glover in center. Outstanding.

And it's good to be back!

[Porter]

I believe Guti was younger than Wells when he got his big deal. The main focus goes back to breaking the bank for Felix. They have to get him resigned.

[MarinersFan87]

Best bargain in baseball now oustide of Longoria. His defense alone is worth the 20 mil over 4 years.