The Mariners are going to give more playing time to their young players.

When the manager is telling the veteran players in the organization that playing time decisions are being based on age, rather than expected performance, it signals that the team has shifted the priority from winning this year to winning in the future. Given where they stand in the division (seven games out of first place, ~7% chance of making the playoffs), it’s the right call. It’s time to pull the plug on the 2009 season, and make moves that reflect the reality that the franchise is putting 2010 ahead of 2009.

The team should move Erik Bedard and Jarrod Washburn as soon as possible.

It seems a little early for any team to give up on the season, but if the Mariners are going to trade veteran pitching, they should do so while the veteran pitching looks good. Where do you think Bedard and Washburn will end up?