Adios

The Mariners designated Bret Boone for assignment this afternoon, calling up Jose Lopez and Chris “Doyle” Snelling.

During his first stint with the Mariners, Bret Boone looked like a championship caliber player in the making. After the 1993 season, the Mariners traded Boone for Bobby Ayala and Dan Wilson. Wilson remained the starting catcher for 11 years, and of Ayala, the less said the better. Boone had an excellent 1994, then descended into several years of mediocrity for the Reds, Braves, and Padres.

The Mariners signed Boone to a 1 year, $3 million contract in 2001, just after letting A-Rod go. Boone proceeded to have one of the best seasons ever by a second baseman, and along with Ichiro, Freddy Garcia, and Mike Cameron helped lead the 2001 team to 116 wins. The Mariners signed Boone to a $24, 3 year extension, and he responded by having an good 2002, an outstanding 2003, and a very mediocre 2004. He won a Gold Glove in 2004 at second base, but clearly didn’t deserve it, as his defense seemed to collapse after 2003. He’s been poor both at the plate and in the field in 2005.

I won’t miss Bret Boone as much as I miss Mike Cameron or Carlos Guillen. It’s time for him to leave, and he really has a talent for coming off as an asshole (although I’m told that Carlos Guillen also has that characteristic). His blond highlights are entertaining enough when he’s hitting, and just stupid looking when he’s not. Still, it is kind of sad to see another member of the 2001 team leave. The only regulars left from that team are Ichiro, Jamie Moyer, Ryan Franklin, and Joel Pinero, and only Ichiro is likely to be around next year.

Adios, Bret. Hope you find a job in Minnesota or San Diego.