Seattle Mariners: AL West contenders 2009

The Seattle Mariners have the ability to contend for the 2009 AL West Crown.

There, I said it. I'm sure I won't hear the end of this, especially if the 2008 Mariners return in 2009, or if the GM finally decides to completely overload the organization.

But really, what is so different about this failing team than the one that looked so good on paper before the season? These Mariners don't have the intangibles that make good teams great.

Almost every single player on this Mariners team has underachieved this season, with no statistical explanation. The 2008 M's were just like the Titanic, the seemingly "unsinkable" ship...that sank.

If the Mariners' front office decides to try for contention one last time in 2009, there is a possibility that the real Seattle Mariners team will show up and surprise all of baseball.

Here is a breakdown of the Mariners' current strengths and needs to become the team they should be.

Strengths:

Defense 

Relief Pitching

Right Field

Second Base

Third base

Shortstop

#'s 1 and 2 in the rotation

Holes/Weaknesses:

Offense

3-5 of rotation

First Base

Center Field

Left Field

DH

Baserunning

Leadership

Players such as Frank Thomas and Mike Sweeney would be good low-risk, high-reward acquisitions for the M's, and although they may be drawn to big names such as Mark Texieria, Ben Sheets, and CC Sabathia, they would more than likely cost upwards of $20 million a year for five-plus years on their contracts, something the Mariner's do not want to be stuck with if they decide to throw in the towel and rebuild.

The front office should stick with trades. Not for high-profile players like they did with Erik Bedard, but for players of equal value, and deal from a position of strength.

The M's have a surplus of catchers, and seem to always have strong relief pitchers in their bullpen. Players such as Kenji Johjima, Jaimie Burke, Rob Johnson (AAA), and Jeremy Reed would be attractive pieces to other teams. 

Teams like the Red Sox looking for a replacement for Jason Varitek, or a fourth outfielder in Reed, could be used to bring in a solid bat or starter to fill the vacancy of Jarrod Washburn.

The Mariners also need to start relying more on youth, and giving them a chance to play everyday could hopefully pay off. Wlademir Balentien showed power during his callup earlier in the season, but displayed the power that makes him an attractive prospect.

Back at Triple-A, where he can play everyday, Balentien seems to have rediscovered his stroke, and should be the frontrunner to get the job in left field after Ibanez departs via free agency. Top catching prospect Jeff Clement will get alot of playing time for the rest of this season, and next year should be the starting catcher with Burke as his backup.

If the Mariners can fill the vacancies at DH, first base, and center field, and bring players aboard who can fill the leadership role, i have faith that this time the Titanic won't sink.