Two from Jason Churchill

First, there is this from ProspectInsider.com. It is about the long-talked about Erik Bedard trade to the M's. It involves some former Rattlers. One is not a surprise. The other is. Guess which is which.

I have it on pretty good authority that the Seattle Mariners and Baltimore Orioles may very well be making significant progress on a trade involving left-hander Erik Bedard.

Unfortunately, if you are an M’s fan, the word is that the Mariners may agree to include Carlos Triunfel in a deal along with Adam Jones, and perhaps one other player (George Sherrill, most likely), due to their stance on trading Brandon Morrow.

I did not get this info from a source directly involved in the talks, but it was relayed to me through a mutual source of one more directly involved.

If the Mariners send Jones, Triunfel and Sherrill to Baltimore and the return is simply Erik Bedard without Brian Roberts or other valuable pieces, the Soriano-Ramirez trade will be buried by this monster of a mistake.

Jason is mild in his reaction compared to some of the commenters. Just a hint. WTF does not stand for Waffles That Fly.

The other link to a piece by Jason is this over at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Young prospects to watch in '08.

Plenty of Ex-Rattlers on the list, including Triunfel at #1. But, I'll focus on those who may be Timber Rattlers in 2008:

5. Philippe Aumont: The Mariners' first-round pick last June did not pitch last summer after being the 11th overall selection, and instead reported to the Instructional League in Peoria, Ariz., in the fall before heading off to play for Team Canada.

The right-hander, 19, tossed just two innings in the World Cup last month, but got in plenty of work at the Mariners spring-training facility before he joined his countrymen in Taipei.

Aumont should make his professional debut in April, and is likely slated for Class A Wisconsin to start the season. MLB ETA: 2011.

8. Juan Ramirez: Ramirez, 19, had a strong showing in his first year in the U.S., despite winning just three of his 10 decisions. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound right-hander flashed a 90-94 mph fastball, a solid breaking ball and a developing changeup.

His command needs work, but he's already adept at finishing off hitters when he gets ahead, as evidenced by his 73 strikeouts in 75 1/3 innings.

The Northwest League, comprised of much more experienced hitters, batted just .211 off Ramirez in his debut season.

"You have to love his live arm," said an NL West scout. "If he develops a few average pitches and commands them, he's going to pitch in the big leagues."

Look for Ramirez to begin the season at Class A Wisconsin. MLB ETA: 2011.