Virtually every article posted about the Mariners begins with mentioning either Ichiro or newly acquired Eric Bedard—and rightfully so. Those two players will be major factors in the success of the team this coming season.
I'd like to take a different stance though and rather than speak broadly about the team, I'll go position by position and talk about each player and then conclude with a general synopsis of the team as a whole and provide some predictions on performance.
Catcher: Kenji Johjima
While he has been serviceable behind the plate, Joh's addition standing at the dish as been somewhat of a disappointment. Fans were expecting more than the 15 HRs and 65 RBI seasons he has delivered thus far.
His .289 career average is a step up from Dan Wilson, but in what has become a power position, fans may be ready to let go of this import when his contract runs out after this season and see what former USC Trojan and first-round pick Jeff Clement can provide.
First Base: Richie Sexson
By far the biggest offseason mistake for the M's front office was letting go of backup Ben Broussard. Sexson has largely been a disappointment since his arrival in 2004.
Too many strikeouts and not enough hits are his problem and while his 6-foot-8 frame provides a nice target for the infielders, his underachievement in the batter's box means it's time to move on...the only question now is to where?
Second Base: Jose Lopez
Seattle has three true second basemen in camp this spring with Lopez, DH Jose Vidro, and invitee Miguel Cairo. Smart money, however, is on Cairo not making it out of spring training since utility-man Willie Bloomquist is more than a quality third stringer at second.
Lopez has typically been a man of two halves. His strongest numbers are put up prior to the All-Star break and there is usually a significant drop off the second half of the season. He spent this offseason playing winter ball in Venezuela and working on his concentration (however you do that).
But with a contract extension signed last season, it seems the front office has decided to stick with the youngster and rightfully so, this kid has a great future in front of him.
Third Base: Adrian Beltre
Brought in the same year as Richie Sexson, Beltre has not lived up to his contract year with the LA Dodgers in 2003.
Last year, he took home his first gold glove award and that alone may justify his staying on the team. Combined with him still in his 20s, Beltre looks to be in Seattle for a few more years and if he can work on hitting the ball the other way and shooting the gaps more in spacious Safeco Field, it will be money well spent.
Shortstop: Yuniesky Betancourt
The other half of Seattle's young double play tandem, Betancourt seems to be the real deal. With a flashy glove and quick bat (.289 avg. last season), Yuni's stock is on the rise and the M's were smart to lock him up long term with Lopez in hopes of creating a Vizquel-Alomar connection like the Indians of the ’90s.
Left Field: Raul Ibanez
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8 months ago
Good job. I think that power you're looking for clearly has to come from Beltre and Sexson and if they don't produce, they should look to cut their ties with both as soon as their albatross contracts expire (Sexson after this year and Beltre after '09). Beltre did hit 26 hrs last year, a far cry from his great season, but perhaps hope that more is to come. And the gold glove you referred to was a good thing. Since his only great season occurred in a 'walk' year, maybe we will have to wait until '09 for another top season from him.
8 months ago
It almost sounded like you knew what you were talking about up until to the end when you removed all credability by suggesting that Dan Wilson should be the manager in 09??? WTF YOU BEEN SMOKING?!
from 8 months ago
Dan Wilson is a fan favorite and always called a great game. He was a manager on the field. I realize he doesn't have any managerial experience (or any formal coaching experience for that matter) but everyone has to start somewhere. Look at Joe Girardi and (dare I say?) Bob Melvin...
8 months ago
I have to agree that the lack of power may hold them back. Vidro is not the answer to our DH problems. Look for the M's to try some late season moves in trying to fill that power hitter gap that seems to be the only thing holding the M's from dethroning the Angels. Hopefully it won't be too late for us to pick up a big bat from a team looking to free up some money later in the year.
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