I like his mound presence. He’s kind of a banty rooster out there, insisting that the hill belongs to him, even when he’s in a bad stretch of games.

Now at least there’s potential for a decent August for the M’s, even though the competition will be stiffer than recently.

Once last thought: people do get traded after the deadline from time to time. Millwood’s the top candidate to clear waivers, I think.

Absolutely offer Vargas an extension. He’s a workhorse kind of pitcher who’s gotten better each year. Not the best, but certainly a middle of the rotation kind of pitcher that wants to stay in Seattle.