Seattle Mariners: 5 Reasons They Will Be More Enjoyable To Watch in 2011

Here’s a fact: The 2010 Mariners were pretty miserable. Aside from the expected contributions from Ichiro, Felix and Gutierrez, the rest was hard to watch. I’m an expert on the subject of how sore this made your eyes, having only missed 10 games this past season (and I thank my lovely girlfriend for those 10 blissful days).

So, what might 2011 bring? Could it get better before it gets worse? Could an improving AL West further bury the Mariners?

Well, by golly, pull up a seat and have a listen.

#5 1B Justin Smoak

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SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 19: Justin Smoak #17 of the Seattle Mariners bats against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field on September 19, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

We of course know this was the prize of the Cliff Lee trade. What we found out was that Smoak’s defense may not be the second coming of Mark Teixeira like some reports indicated. Early struggles at the major league level had some fans shouting and wondering why the Mariners passed on the Jesus Montero package from the Yankees.

Let’s relax. This kid can hit. He’ll have his flaws, but remember his age and how fast he moved through the minors. Texas probably rushed him and the Mariners did the right thing by sending him down, where he again showed he had talent. This will not be some AAAA type fodder. Smoak is going to win your love in 2011.

#4 2B Dustin Ackley

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PEORIA, AZ - FEBRUARY 25: Dustin Ackley of the Seattle Mariners poses during photo media day at the Mariners spring training complex on February 25, 2010 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Consider the switch to wood bats and learning a brand new position and it shouldn’t surprise or worry anyone that Ackley needed a bit of time to catch up to the hype. He’d eventually climb through the minors, including an Arizona Fall League stint that saw him capture MVP honors while destroying the ball and getting on base over half the time he came to the plate.

Okay, the AFL isn’t the most reliable barometer for prospect potential, but good signs are good signs. His defense will still need some work, but at some point in 2011, that practice is going to be had at Safeco Field.

#3 RHP Michael Pineda

He’s got front of the rotation stuff. On talent alone, he should break camp as the #2 starter behind the King. Realistically though, expect him to slot in the #3 or #4 spot in the rotation to limit his workload. It’s not a bad decision either, considering previous arm issues.

Alternatively, this spot may go to whichever player comes back in a trade as Pineda is a serious prospect that does have some risk, making him prime trade bait candidate.

#2 Manager Eric Wedge's Mustache

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SEATTLE - OCTOBER 19: New manager Eric Wedge of the Seattle Mariners is introduced to the media at Safeco Field on October 19, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Seriously, have you seen this thing?

The days of boring Don Wakamatsu’s long face and lumbering walks to "argue" with the umpires are over. Imagine Wedge’s mustache exploding off his face as he argues a bad call. Epic, indeed.

In all seriousness, though, Wedge brings good experience in both managing a winning team and working with this type of front office. There should be less head-butting between GM and manager, and more collaboration to get a winning product on the field.

#1 2B/3B Jose Lopez

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

NEW YORK - AUGUST 22: Jose Lopez #4 of the Seattle Mariners commits a fielding error in the second inning against the New York Yankees on August 22, 2010 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

He's been traded.

Celebrate.