Jake Arrieta and the Seattle Mariners Part 1

All was quiet the week of Christmas for the Mariners, but one picture did generate some buzz. Brittany Arrieta, wife of free agent pitcher Jake Arrieta, posted a picture of here family exploring the city of Seattle.

While we are not fans of making a mountain out of a mole hill, the picture does, at the very least, raise some eyebrows. Here is the picture in question:

Now, don’t get me wrong. Seattle is a wonderful place, and an awesome vacation spot. It is one of the gems of the country, and a must see city for all travelers. But to visit the week of Christmas on a whim seems, well, lets call it odd.

Of course, there is always the possibility that they have family in the area. Or perhaps the family really did take a spontaneous to the great pacific northwest. But when the local baseball team desperately needs starting pitching help, and one of the best available talents happens to be in town, it is difficult to not connect those dots.

Considered by most to be the best or second best starter on the free agent market, Jake Arrieta has had a slow developing market. This might have been of concern in past off-seasons, but this particular off-season, only 5 of MLB Trade Rumors Top 20 Free Agents have signed.

The need for Arrieta by the Seattle Mariners is obvious. Seattle is desperate to add impact to its rotation, and presumed target Yu Darvish doesn’t appear to have much interest in playing for the Mariners.

Whether or not the Arrieta’s family trip is business related or not, it does raise any interesting question. Does Jake Arrieta make sense for the Mariners? Is he willing to pitch in Seattle? Does he make the Mariners a playoff team?

Next: Tampa Bay, Seattle, Trading Again?

All the answers to these questions will be discussed tomorrow, on Part 2 of this potential news story.