Trade Between O's and Space Needles Imminent

According to ESPN.com News Services "The Seattle Mariners have asked talented young outfielder Adam Jones to leave his Venezuelan Winter League team and return to the United States amid reports he's about to be included in a trade for Baltimore Orioles left-hander Erik Bedard."

Jones, the centerpiece (besides Bedard) in the deal makes for an interesting situation in Baltimore. If the deal goes through, the O's would have a younger center fielder with a greater upside than they did coming into the off season. Last season, Corey Patterson manned center field for the Birds. But, according to a January 8 posting on MLB.com's website, "The Orioles, who did not offer Patterson arbitration in December, may bring him back if they do not trade for a center fielder, the Baltimore Sun reported. Team president Andy MacPhail acknowledged that he spoke with Patterson's agent to confirm the team's interest and the two sides will keep in touch."

If the trade goes through, Patterson's future with the club will most likely be in doubt. It would be interesting to see, this late in the off season which clubs are in the market for Patterson's services.