Off-Season-In-Review: Mariners (Bonus: Line-Up Included!)

The Mariners have changed their focus to young players, and got a new slogan (but it sucks):

A new day, a new way.

The roster got younger during this off-season, and some toxins were cleaned out.  In a few years, competition in the West might happen.

Signed INF Russell Branyan to a one-year contract.

Great move.  Like the kid, and should have a good year.

Signed INF Chris Shelton to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training. 

Okay back-up, and should see some playing time.

Acquired RHP Aaron Heilman, OF Endy Chavez, LHP Jason Vargas, INF Mike Carp, OF Ezequiel Carrera and RHP Maikel Cleto from the New York Mets in exchange for RHP J.J. Putz, RHP Sean Green and OF Jeremy Reed. Acquired OF Franklin Gutierrez from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for INF Luis Valbuena. 

Good trade, although getting rid of Green was dumb.

Acquired RHP David Aardsma from the Red Sox for non-roster LHP Fabian Williamson. Aardsma had been designated for assignment on Jan. 15. 

Most likely the closer.  Good kid, electric fastball.

Acquired infielder Ronny Cedeno and LHP Garrett Olson from the Cubs for RHP Aaron Heilman. Released RHP Randy Messenger.

Heilman was old, anyway. 

Signed free agent first baseman Mike Sweeney, who had been with the Athletics, to a Minor League contract and invited him to Spring Training.

Good age.

Signed 2008 Draft pick RHP Joshua Fields to a Minor League contract and invited him to Spring Training.

Finally!  I hope he performs! 

Signed OF Ken Griffey Jr. to a one-year contract.

Good move.

Signed RHP Chad Cordero to a Minor League contract with an invite to Major League camp. 

Solidifies bullpen.

Roster:

RF: Ichiro

2B: J. Lopez

3B: Beltre

LF: Griffey, Jr.

1B: Branyan

DH: Clement

C: Johjima

CF: Gutierrez

SS: Betancourt

SP: F. Hernandez
 
SP: Bedard

SP: Morrow

SP: Rowland-Smith

SP: Washburn/Silva/Olsen

CL: Lowe/Aardsma/Cordaro