THE CHEAP SEATS with STEVE CAMERON: Dipoto doesn't always make sense — but this 'unique' idea might

Jerry Dipoto is a very bright dude. 

Like a lot of smart folks, however, Jerry sometimes can’t quite translate his IQ into sharp, understandable conversation. 

The Mariners president of baseball operations is getting a history of botching verbal explanations of what the organization is planning to do. 

A member of the Seattle baseball writers group suggested that Jerry hire a college journalism student to translate for him.  

You know, Dipoto would scribble all his key thoughts onto a card, and the student would untangle the ideas and deliver them to his audience. 

Hey, we have translators for Hispanic and Japanese players (ask Shohei Ohtani) so why not a translator for executives who use giant words that wind up muddled together — sounding something like the Croatian version of Scrabble? 

Yes, I’m kidding. 

No, really, I am. 

Dipoto is a terrifically bright guy, but once in awhile he DOES need someone to use the verbal equivalent of those red pen corrections you used to get on your essays. 

Speaking to some journalists near the end of the regular season, Jerry was asked if the Mariners might trade one of their talented starting pitchers to acquire a bat. 

His reply: “On the continuum of A to Z, that would be ‘Plan Z’ times some denominator.” 

Huh? 

OK, WE get it, Jerry. 

But could you stick closer to baseball language? 

I’m pretty sure that was the first time in 2024 that anyone in MLB used “continuum” and “denominator” in the same sentence. 

You aren’t going to hear that in a dugout — except maybe at Yale. 

To be fair to Dipoto, he’s been handed some REALLY difficult puzzles to unravel for the media. 

Most involve the Mariners’ payroll, which almost every fan believes is too skimpy — and therefore is the reason Seattle keeps JUST missing the playoffs. 

Both Dipoto and club chairman John Stanton have said publicly that the 2025 payroll will get a boost. 

Now, the Mariners won’t be bidding for free agent Juan Soto. 

It won’t be THAT kind of boost. 

Let’s work with some numbers here. 

According to FanGraphs, the Mariners current payroll is in the range of $140-145 million, which is 16th in MLB. 

So, just a tick below the middle of baseball’s 30 teams. 

Here’s the thing: the M’s can plan to boost payroll for next season, and still struggle to turn that money into talent. 

For one thing, several key players are due for raises in arbitration. 

The Mariners’ projected payroll is certain to go up with Julio Rodriguez’s mega-contract bumping up into $18-20 million range, and major contributors like Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Cal Raleigh and Randy Arozarena getting significant hikes in salary arbitration. 

Several “regulars” on this team almost surely won’t be back — Jorge Polanco, Luis Urias, perhaps Mitch Haniger or Mitch Garver (who earn $27 million combined). 

Even without Dipoto’s big words, you can probably reach a conclusion that pays for all the raises with salaries of players who won’t be back. 

Then, theoretically (heads up, Mr. Stanton), any actual raise in the overall payroll could be used on adding player talent. 

THERE’S A unique way the Mariners could make a talent jump in 2025 without spending money like the rich kids. 

In another words, a couple of solid additions that take up a major part of the hit. 

Beyond that? 

The club has a fistful of minor league prospects, exciting young players who clearly look destined to be impact players in the big leagues. 

Even better, a few of the best ones play positions the Mariners need to fill.

Dipoto was clear that the current roster is set in the outfield, with Julio, Arozarena and this year’s absolute steal (pun intended), Victor Robles. 

Robles arrived as a free agent, earned a $9.4 million extension during the season, and hit .328 in 77 games after wasting the first 14 in Washington. 

Robles also stole 30 bases and was caught just once, on a wild dash for home against the Yankees. 

Dipoto noted that the outfield was basically locked, with the three already mentioned along with Luke Raley, who can also play first base. 

So. 

Here’s the multi-million dollar question. 

Can any of Seattle’s minor league stars make it to T-Mobile Park this year? 

There are some thrilling infielders who have hit at every level, guys like Colt Emerson and Cole Young, and a powerhouse first baseman who hammers balls into the night, Lazaro Montes. 

Emerson and catcher/outfielder Harry Ford might be another year away, but Young has looked comfortable at every level, and scouts have described his left-handed swing as “beautiful.” 

Young has also moved to second base for obvious reasons. 

There is a crowd of prospects coming (six of whom are in Baseball Reference’s MLB Top 100), and they should fill a lot of holes. 

Oh, and the Mariners just drafted a young man you need to see: Jurrangelo Cijntje. 

He’s from the Netherlands, and pitches with both hands. 

Honestly. 

That would be worth the price of admission. 

Can all this fun win a pennant with a mid-level payroll? 

It’s possible. 

This is baseball. 

Email: scameron@cdapress.com 

Steve Cameron’s “Cheap Seats” columns appear in The Press four times each week, normally Tuesday through Friday unless, you know, stuff happens. 

Steve suggests you take his opinions in the spirit of a Jimmy Buffett song: “Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On.”