Mariners Offseason Move That Broke Hearts

This offseason, in the midst of Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto’s frantic roster shuffle, the fans have had to say goodbye to some beloved and respected M’s players have joined new clubs and therefore have broken our hearts.

For some, Valentine’s Day is a time for you to enjoy being with your partner. For others who weren’t with a special someone, the day after becomes single’s awareness day, a time that many think about people they aren’t with or people that have broken your heart.

This is offseason the Mariners parted ways with some fan favorites like Dae Ho Lee, Taijuan Walker, and Seth “Dad” Smith, but they also said goodbye to a player that had been with the organization for seven years: Franklin Gutierrez.

Gutierrez was never a spectacular player, but he has battled through many injuries and illnesses He did make some great plays at the plate and on defense, but he was loyal, hardworking and well-liked, all while trying to get his career back on track. What else would you want from a teammate?

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He did win a Gold Glove in 2010 because he committed zero errors in 413 chances and has had a career .991 fielding percentage on defensive, but his 10 home runs and 38 RBIs (on average) per season had many glossing over him.

In 2009, he set career-highs in home runs, RBIs, and batting average with 18, 70 and .283 respectively.

Gutierrez fought with the Mariners through some of their toughest and most unsuccessful years, always giving it his all.

His commitment to the team and without ever a fuss makes it tough to see someone who has been a staple of the Mariners go and join another team.

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Mariners fans who are upset by his departure to the Los Angeles Dodgers should hope that the M’s don’t meet the Dodgers in the World Series and Gutierrez hurts his former team with his play. That’s a long way away, though. It’s tough enough seeing him leave.