Joe Beimel Will Not Be Returning to the Seattle Mariners in 2015

For those still debating whether or not left-handed reliever Joe Beimel would return to the Seattle Mariners for the 2015 season, here is the latest from GM Jack Zduriencik– via Shannon Drayer on twitter:

Beimel had a nice bounce back season in 2014 in the Mariners bullpen. He had missed all of 2012 and 2013 due to injury, and the Mariners gave him a shot at Spring Training in 2014.

As a lefty specialist for the M’s, Beimel pitched 45.0 innings with a 3-1 record out of the ‘Pen. He allowed 4 home runs, 14 walks, and 25 strikeouts. His WHIP was a 1.178 and his ERA was a respectable 2.20– and by respectable I mean impressive.

Whenever I think about Beimel, I think about two things: that gnarly beard and his first ever appearance as a Mariner.

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My co-editor Dan mentioned that Joe Beimel looked a little like Rafi from The League with his crazy beard, and in my mind the nickname stuck.

In his first outing for the Mariners, Beimel came into an inning with 2-outs and a runner on first. Known for his quick turn to first as a left hander, I was excited to see him try to poach aggressive base stealers. And wouldn’t you know it, Beimel’s first pick-off attempt at first was wildly successful, recording the final out of the inning without throwing a single pitch. That’s the way you like to see a veteran pitcher start off a season with a new team.

It’s unfortunate the Mariners couldn’t come to an agreement with Beimel, as he was an exciting and integral part of the best bullpen in 2014. However, it makes sense that the Mariners are wary of adding another left-handed reliever to compete for the bullpen, as the team now carries four viable options in Charlie Furbush, Lucas Luetge, and recent additions Mike Kickham and David Rollins.

We here at Sodo Mojo wish Joe Beimel nothing but the best in 2015, as long as it doesn’t include picking off a Mariner at first to end an inning and a game-winning rally.

For an in-depth analysis of the Mariners bullpen situation in 2015, Sodo Mojo has you covered tomorrow.