2008 Mariners' Depth Chart- 1st Base

Here is part two of our Mariners' season recap. I'm going to briefly breakdown each player at each position on the final 25-man active roster. I'm going to be going position by position (C, 1B, 2B, etc,). Here is a link to part one of the recap which was a detailed analysis on the Mariners' opening day lineup.

Bryan LaHair

After Richie Sexson left, Bryan LaHair took over the majority of starts at 1st base for the Mariners. He was a big upgrade from Sexson, but that's not saying a whole lot. LaHair finished the season with a .250 batting average. He was horrendous against left-handers last year with a .091 average against lefties. He had zero power this season finishing with a miniscule three homeruns and 10 runs batted in after 45 games. 

He doesn't have much of a ceiling being already 26 years old. He's pretty below average for a 1st baseman. I doubt the next manager or GM will see him as a viable option at 1st base next season.

Miguel Cairo
More proof Bill Bavasi was one of the worst GMs ever. MIGUEL CAIRO?!?!?!
He's old and bad. It's not like 1998 Tampa Bay Devil Rays Miguel Cairo was any better....

If LaHair and Cairo aren't options, who is going to start at 1st base next season? Both Kenji Johjima and Jeff Clement, heck, even Jose Lopez got some starts at 1st. I'd prefer if they'd go to free agency to grab a solid everyday 1st baseman.

If the Mariners' don't want to spend a lot they could get a solid veteran that's better than both LaHair and Cairo; Sean Casey, Erik Hinske, and Doug Mientkiewicz are all options. Of course there is always Mark Teixera...but that's highly unlikely....

Until then, who'd you rather have starting at 1st base next year; Jose Lopez, Bryan LaHair, Kenji Johjima, Jeff Clement, or Jose Lopez?