Mariners Lock Up King Felix to 5-Year Extension

[Guitar Shark]

Felix Hernandez and the Mariners agree to a 5-year deal - Jon Heyman - SI.com

Mariners star pitcher Felix Hernandez has agreed to a five-year, $78 million contract extension with the Mariners, sources say.

The agreement covers two arbitration years and three years of free agency. He had been due to be a free agent after the 2011 season.

Optimism for a deal has heated up in recent days; on Monday, SI.com reported the pitcher and team were close on terms.

Hernandez originally requested a six-year deal for $100 million while the Mariners were offering about $45 million for four years at the start, but talks proceeded well from there.

The agreement allows the Mariners to avoid the arbitration process, figures for which are released on Tuesday.

[LoungeMachine]

So does this mean we'll only finish 13 games out of first for the next five years, followed by him leaving and winning a World Series with another team?

I'm so sick of this piecemeal approach to the M's.

They remind me of CVH that way.

Get it together, and field a COMPLETE winning team.

or get off the field and let the little leaguers have it

[Guitar Shark]

The new front office is smart, Lounge.

This is not the Bavasi era any longer.

We've made some huge moves already, including getting Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee. I think you are going to be pleasantly surprised over the next few years.

[LoungeMachine]

The new front office is smart, Lounge.

This is not the Bavasi era any longer.

We've made some huge moves already, including getting Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee. I think you are going to be pleasantly surprised over the next few years.

I've been hearing that since '81.

I hope you're right, Sharky.

But I've frankly checked out of Seattle Sports for now.

It's like we're fielding an entire city of Washington Generals.

[High Life Man]

Jack Z is a genius. I hated seeing him go, but we didn't need a GM. Give him 4 seasons, and you'll have a legit contender.