Creative deals? No sweat for Mariners' Jack Zduriencik

Jack Zduriencik is one bold general manager. Not only did he make two trades Wednesday without giving away too much, but he wore a dark blue suit with a black shirt in stylish defiance of the triple-digit heat.

"Hey, it's teal," he said. "You like it?"

You have to admire Zduriencik's exuberance. He dresses up on days that he makes a deal. He is quite open about how a trade gets consummated. He looks like a man still new to the GM game.

He doesn't perform like a cub, however.

Just when it seemed like the Mariners would be sellers this week, Zduriencik bought. Or at least that's what he did according to our limited trade-deadline lingo. He acquired slick-fielding shortstop Jack Wilson and pitcher Ian Snell from Pittsburgh. The cost: Ronny Cedeno, who was hitting .167 and in an 0-for-26 hitting slump; catcher Jeff Clement, who had no real future here because of the blossoming Adam Moore; and three green minor-league pitchers who may or may not pan out.

Soon after that deal, Trader Jack shipped struggling young outfielder Wladimir Balentien to Cincinnati for relief pitcher Robert Manuel, who won an award last year proclaiming him the best reliever in the minors. I call this one the Bill Bavasi Bonanza. Bavasi, the much-ridiculed former Mariners general manager, is a special assistant with the Reds and probably still has an affinity, no matter how misguided, for Balentien.

It was a good day for the man in the dark suit. Though we like to talk buyers and sellers at this time of year, Zduriencik isn't really thinking that way. It's not as simple as "Go for it!" or "Restock!" for the Mariners. The front office doesn't view the present and the future as separate entities. They're rebuilding, no doubt, but they're also shaping an ideal. They're creating a program with distinct traits.

Just like the others, these deals fit into their philosophy, even if we can't categorize them easily. Trader Jack adds to the intrigue because he's so creative in working with teams and putting together imaginative packages.

The skill was first recognized in the mega J.J. Putz deal, which led to the Mariners getting three players who've made a significant impact this season: center fielder Franklin Gutierrez, pitcher Jason Vargas and left fielder Endy Chavez (before the injury). He also turned pitcher Aaron Heilman, another acquisition in the Putz trade, into Cedeno and pitcher Garrett Olson.

Since then, we've come to expect Zduriencik's cleverness. He never disappoints.

This move to get Wilson carries some risk. Those green pitchers might develop, and Clement, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2005 draft, still could become a great hitter. But Wilson appears to be an ideal fit for the New Mariner Order.

Wilson, 31, is an incredible defensive player. He's a consummate pro — likable, solid leadership, good in the community — much like Mike Sweeney. He's credible as a hitter. And if all goes well, he still has enough good years left to be the franchise's shortstop solution until Carlos Triunfel develops.

Overall, the prevailing message the Mariners sent Wednesday is that they will remain aggressive. Don't expect a fire sale. They still could trade an impact player like Jarrod Washburn if the right deal comes along. But they are no longer a prisoner of the need to find a shortstop. To trade Washburn, it would have to be a no-brainer. Even if it were, Trader Jack would probably try to spice it up a little.

"No one is throwing up the white flag," Zduriencik said. "We're trying to get better in any way we can."

The Mariners have little chance to catch the Los Angeles Angels in the AL West or win the wild card, but they won't bow out of the chase. They'll be better for it, too.

"I think I've said from Day One that the most important thing is to get the talent level up to compete with anybody in baseball," Zduriencik said. "Our goal is to win the World Series and nothing short of that. This season, we're a club that's a little bit on the outside looking in, but we're building and we're competing day in and day out, and I'm very proud of that. We'll get there."

Trader Jack was composed and confident as he spoke. Even on this hot day, even in that hot suit, he didn't sweat. You have to admire his steady leadership.

Jerry Brewer: 206-464-2277 or jbrewer@seattletimes.com.