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Since the long-rumored trade for Erik Bedard is complete, I get to refrain from the temptation to make that deal my top priority (although it would have been the subject of this piece a week ago).

I will also sidestep the temptation to replace Jose Vidro at DH, although I will be certain to get Jeff Clement his share of at-bats in anticipation of transitioning him into the lineup by late 2008 or Opening Day, 2009. Although Vidro offers little in the way of power, he made a nice transition to the American League last season and proved capable of getting on base consistently (as evidenced by his .365 OBP).

Otherwise, the lineup is set: Ichiro will bat leadoff, followed by Vidro, Adrian Beltre and Raul Ibanez. Richie Sexson is in the five-hole (I have got to believe that he rebounds from an abysmal 2007 season... I don't really have a choice: he's under contract, I tried unsuccessfully to trade him this winter and I have no one ready to replace him). Kenji Johjima will bat sixth followed by newly-signed Brad Wilkerson. My young, free-swinging middle-infield combo of Yunieski Betancourt and Jose Lopez will bat eighth and ninth, respectively.

With the Baltimore trade completed, the rotation is set with Bedard, Felix Hernandez and Jarrod Washburn locking down the first three spots. At this point, I regret the decision to sign free agent Carlos Silva, but it's a deal I am going to have to live with for the next few years (the team isn't going to eat the money, and it will not be a ‘moveable' contract) so he slots behind the Big Three. Soon-to-be 37-year-old Miguel Batista performed well in 2007 so he retains his spot at the back of the rotation, especially because he has two years and $18 million left on his contract (but if the opportunity arose to trade him I would do so because I have Brandon Morrow ready to step in).

Therefore, the first thing I would do if I were Seattle's new GM is endeavor to find a left-handed set-up man for my bullpen. With the departure of George Sherrill (in the Bedard trade) the team's biggest need (which can be reasonably addressed at this point in time) is for a lefty in the bullpen... and not just any left-hander, but an effective left-hander to ‘replace' Sherrill.

The acquisition of Horacio Ramirez from Atlanta was a mistake. While Rafael Soriano has become the Braves closer, I am left to figure out what to do with Ramirez. I do not view him as a piece of my future rotation, and although he is a southpaw it seems obvious to me that he does not have the repertoire to ‘replace' Sherrill.

During spring training, I would look to deal either Batista or Ramirez to a team in need of a starting pitcher (Texas?). In exchange for either pitcher I would ask for a lefty reliever with a live arm (in the case of Batista, all I really want is relief from his contract). In the interim, I would sign the as-yet unemployed Ron Villone to a (preferably non-guaranteed) contract. He (Villone) started his career with the Mariners in 1995 and appears to have something left in the tank. Last year, with the NY Yankees, he was 0-0 with a 4.25 ERA. He held opposing hitters to a .234 average and .344 slugging percentage - both well below league average. Searching for a left-handed bullpen arm might not be sexy, but my team is set at most positions and burdened with unwieldy contracts at others. Sometimes the best move is to stand pat and let the boys play.

By SOX1FAN of www.DugoutCentral.com