Hideki Matsui signing

The Matsui signing is important for M's fans in several ways.

First, it's the biggest signing so far this year, and certainly shows despite anything Cashman might have said, the Yanks aren't afraid to spend money. We'll believe the Yanks are cutting payroll when... wait, it will never happen so why bother.

Second, it shows Ichiro's deal is actually pretty good for the Mariners. Matsui really played his cards right and forced the Yankees to pay him more than he's worth. What other team today would pay that kind of money for him?

Third, it shows what a good deal the Ibanez signing has been for the Mariners. While Ibanez is not as good as Matsui, he's not as far off as you might think. And at 1/3 the price, Ibanez is a bargain in comparison.

The takeaway for this is just a final reminder not to expect many bargains this winter. Teams are already throwing 5 years at pitchers that were never coming to Seattle anyway, and we can expect crazy dollars to again be the rule.

If this team is going to compete next year, trades will be necessary.