Appier and Vina?

Ugh.

I know Bavasi has stated he wants more competition this spring. The idea makes sense- don't let players think they automatically are annointed starters, but have to earn it. With the M's lacking depth in their starting rotation, as well as the infield, this would seem to be a no-brainer.

We saw this last year with guys like Sele and Nelson. The latter still had a chance to be effective, while we all know the former was a million to 1 shot. The problem came when the M's gambled too long on that lottery ride knows as Sele, and lost a bunch of games in the process.

The M's don't want a situation where Appier is pitching. Simple. He is old, and bad. He is not a long term solution, and he's not really a short term solution either. Are the M's going to put Appier on the roster based on a few spring training outings?

You can't even go by last years numbers since neither one played. If Bavasi justs wants players to take up spots during Spring training, he surely can do better than this.

These signings to me show a clear lack of creativity on the part of Bavasi. When these names came along, I wouldn't have given them a second thought. If the M's want more competition in Spring training, there are better ways to do it then bringing in tired retreads with no chance of helping your club.

These are small signings, but they point to a bigger problem. Sele should have tought Bavasi something last year.

Apparently the lesson hasn't sunk in.