It’s odd, now, to remember that Seattle saw Bedard as their missing link. He was supposed to get them over the hump and, maybe, deep into the playoffs. Instead, he pitched just 81 innings over 15 games. Seattle went 61-101, while George Sherrill became an All-Star, Adam Jones became a symbol of hope, and Chris Tillman became can’t-miss.

Seattle eventually fired pretty much everyone involved in making the trade.

Perhaps the best quote I’ve heard from their side is in that Times article, and it comes from former pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre: “Sometimes you get a guy and he’s a little different than he looks from outside,” he said. “Not to knock him, because he’s a great talent, but basically he didn’t have the leadership qualities I thought we were getting.”

And thus the Bedard Enigma claims its latest victim. There’s a part of me that still wishes he was here because, frankly, he’s a fascinating person. Not that I’d undo the trade.

If you’re feeling like a walk down memory lane, head over to the February 2008 Loss Column archives to see how we all felt then.

“You have to ask him and I know that’s no fun. And he’s going to have a stupid answer for you can count on it. He’s going to have some dumb-ass answer. He’s either gassed because he’s laboring. He’s protecting himself because he knows even he sticks around and is mediocre he gets another 2 million bucks lopped onto his salary. Why doesn’t he go longer? It’s a real pointed question. But you need to ask him. And good luck with that.”

Bill Bavasi, the ex-GM of the Seattle Mariners, does not mince words about our old buddy Erik Bedard.  It’s the kind of thing where you just shake your head.  The Mariners organization and the Seattle fans are learning the hard way about all of Bedard’s poorest qualities.  Because this year, with his ace-like dominance suddenly failing him, there’s nothing to hide those poor qualities.  It’s a damn shame, really, and I hope one day Erik gets his attitude and his pitching together because it’d be a waste of talent otherwise.

In the world of Baltimore baseball – it’s Dave Trembley‘s one year anniversary today.  He’s been a joy to see manage this team from where they stood last year (expecting to lose) to where they stand this year (expecting to win).  He could be a flash in the pan or a Baltimore legend in the making – only time will tell – but it’s been a fun ride so far.

It’s the good ship Q.S. Guts going against Brian Moehler (3-3, 4.73).  Go get ‘em.

In light of all that discussion, I figure it’s time to let everyone in on a secret: sometimes journalists aren’t that bright. And sometimes they ask some seriously dumb-ass questions. Believe me, I’ve been around enough of them over the years to know. For every really smart, insightful one there’s another who might just as well be managing a Kroger somewhere in Tennessee.*

I think that’s a large part of the reason that Bedard acts the way he does. I get the sense that he’s an incredibly smart dude who doesn’t suffer fools gladly. We had another guy just like that here a few years ago: Mike Mussina. The difference is that Mussina would make it a game, where Bedard just doesn’t want to be bothered. Frankly, I don’t blame him. As a lot of people have pointed out, he’s under no obligation to be nice to the media. It’d be cool if he was more gregarious, but disdain for the media is hardly a character flaw. Might be the exact opposite in fact.

Now, the day he starts treating the fans like garbage? That’s another story entirely. Until then I suggest we embrace him as an oddball character. It’s a lot more fun that way.

Also: Cabrera vs. Fossum tonight as the O’s go for the sweep. They’ll need it with Boston coming up.

*see comments below for some clarification