Seattle Mariners

The offseason is not even close to over, yet two general managers already stand out, albeit for vastly different reasons.  Seattle Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik has, in under two years, turned the Mariners from the punchline in a Bill Bavasi joke to a legitimate contender for the AL West.  Meanwhile, Houston Astros GM Ed Wade keeps digging a deeper grave for his team. 

These GMs are important because they represent two different modes of managing—one that values rational, informed decision making, and one that does not.

Jack Zduriencik

After making major moves this offseason by acquiring 3B Chone Figgins and P Cliff Lee, the Seattle Mariners made another move that will hopefully pay off in the long run.

They allowed the Chicago Cubs to dump controversial outfielder Milton Bradley on them.

Bradley, an All-Star in 2008, was traded to the Mariners for P Carlos Silva and cash.

Yes, he will be more productive than Silva (5-18, 6.81 ERA during two seasons with Seattle...55-26, 4.31 ERA during previous six seasons). This trade shows how desperate the Cubs were to get Bradley out of town.

When it comes to the Mariners and Cubs, I’m fairly split in terms of my opinions. I’m a fan of each team, and it’s hard for me to distinguish my fandom. The two teams have played only six games against each other outside of spring training, so there hasn’t been a lot of reason to root for one over the other.

Actually, the Cubs and Seattle hold some history together, as Lou Piniella managed the Mariners for several years, and Ryne Sandberg, the Cubs' Hall-of-Fame second baseman grew up in Spokane, WA.

The Seattle Mariners have become the team to beat in the American League West with the additions of Chone Figgins and Cliff Lee. They now have a one-two punch in both their lineup and pitching rotation that makes them stronger than any other team in the division.

The Seattle Mariners are among three MLB teams that have never been to the World Series.

This season, they are hoping that will all change.

Aside from the 2004 WNBA Champion Seattle Storm, Seattle hasn't had a championship team since the NBA's Sonics won in 1979.

The Seattle Seahawks lost Super Bowl XL to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Seattle Mariners won 393 games from 2000-2003, including an MLB-record 116 in 2001. The result? Two ALCS appearances, both lost to the New York Yankees.

It’s tough to go out on top when you’re a major sports star, whether it be actually winning a championship or choosing to retire when you’re still playing at a high level.

In terms of winning the top prize, just ask the likes of Dan Marino and Karl Malone, both of whom played for many years without reaching the pinnacle of their professions.

The first piece of what has now become a historic four team blockbuster trade between the Mariners, Blue Jays, Phillies, and Athletics has now become official.

The Seattle Mariners have officially acquired Philadelphia Phillies ace and Cy Young winner Cliff Lee in exchange for top pitching prospect Phillipe Aumont, P JC Ramirez, and OF Tyson Gillies.

As Matt Holliday and Jason Bay dominate the headlines on the free agent front, one name that we have not heard much from is Troy Glaus. Until now, that is: