Mariners Exec VP & GM Jack Zduriencik this week said that the club's payroll "will increase" for the '15 season, according to Bob Dutton of the Tacoma NEWS TRIBUNE. The Mariners "concluded their first winning season in five years," finishing one game behind the A's for the AL's final Wild Card spot. Zduriencik: "I think we’ll be reasonably aggressive in trying to do something to try to add an offensive piece or two. ... We’ll enter the free-agent scenario, and (we’ll) see what’s available on the trade market. We will be pretty aggressive in trying to add to this ballclub.” He added, "The payroll is going to rise. What the exact number is, I don’t know yet because we haven’t had that meeting. I’m sure within the next few weeks, that will take place, but I’m encouraged that our payroll will increase" (Tacoma NEWS TRIBUNE, 10/1). In Seattle, Larry Stone writes after a Mariners season "marked by both progress and frustration, it’s most definitely reasonable to be aggressive -- as long as it’s done with wisdom and foresight, of course." Luring Tigers DH Victor Martinez, who will be a free agent at the end of the season, "should be a top priority for Zduriencik." The Mariners improved by 16 wins in '14, and "increased attendance by 300,000 fans, dual outcomes" in which 2B Robinson Cano’s presence "unquestionably played a large role." Figuring each of those extra fans "spent an average of $50 -- which might be conservative -- that’s a" $15M increase in revenue from "having a better team." Stone: "Let's hope ownership understands that turning this year's near-miss into next year's playoff-worthy ballclub would be good business" (SEATTLE TIMES, 10/2).
