Seattle Mariners: Predicting Their Starting Lineup and Rotation for 2012

The Seattle Mariners finished the 2011 season with the third worst record in baseball at 67-95 to go along with their second consecutive last-place finish in the American League West.

On the bright side, the Mariners did manage to win six more games than they did in 2010 while managing to lose less than 100 games.

Seattle will be improved offensively with the addition of Jesus Montero into the middle of the lineup—although he came with a heavy price tag.  

Former No. 2 starter and future star, Michael Pineda, is now a New York Yankee as a result of the semi-blockbuster trade for Montero.

Let's take a look at the Mariners' projected starting lineup (with one surprise) and rotation for 2012.

1. Ichiro Suzuki, Right Field

.272, 5 HR, 47 RBI

Suzuki failed to hit .300 and reach 200 hits for the first time in his 11-year career.

2. Dustin Ackley, Second Base

.273, 6 HR, 36 RBI

Dustin Ackley was the second overall pick in the 2009 draft, and many are anticipating a huge jump in production for the second-year future star.

3. Jesus Montero, Catcher

.328, 4 HR, 12 RBI

Jesus Montero played just 18 games last year for the New York Yankees but will step right into the three-spot as the Mariners' best hitter in 2012.

4. Prince Fielder, First Base

.299, 38 HR, 120 RBI

Surprise!  I'm predicting the Mariners to sign Fielder to an enormous free-agent deal very soon—the city of Seattle will be able to claim both the King and the Prince.

5. Justin Smoak, Designated Hitter

.234, 15 HR, 55 RBI

Justin Smoak was the 11th overall pick in the 2008 draft and is another young gun the Mariners are counting on to make that big leap in 2012.

6. Mike Carp, Left Field

.276, 12 HR, 46 RBI

Mike Carp has only appeared in 114 games, but the Mariners have hope that he can hit 25 home runs in 2012.

7. Chone Figgins, Third Base

.188, 1 HR, 15 RBI

Chone Figgins only played half a season last year due to injury, and the Mariners are hoping he can at least reach his career batting average of .280 in 2012.

8. Munenori Kawasaki, Shortstop

Career batting average of .294, 262 stolen bases, and 631 runs scored in 11 seasons.

Munenori Kawasaki recently signed a minor-league contract with the Seattle Mariners and should be starting over Brendan Ryan in no time.

9. Franklin Gutierrez, Center Field

.224, 1 HR, 19 RBI

Franklin Gutierrez is known for his defense, but won't be starting for long if he can't prove that he can hit on a consistent basis.

No. 1 Starter: Felix Hernandez

14-14, 3.47 ERA, 222 K, 67 Walks

Felix Hernandez wasn't quite as dominant as he was in 2010 when he won the American League Cy Young Award, but is still as dominant as any starting pitcher in baseball.

No. 2 Starter: Jason Vargas

10-13, 4.25 ERA, 131 K, 59 Walks

You know you might be in trouble when Jason Vargas is your No. 2 starter.

No. 3 Starter: Hisashi Iwakuma

Career win-loss record of 55-31 and a 2.67 ERA

The Seattle Mariners signed the Japanese wonder, Hisashi Iwakuma, to a $1.5 million deal in guaranteed money that includes $3.4 million in incentives.

No. 4 Starter: Blake Beavan

5-6, 4.27 ERA, 42 K, 15 Walks

Blake Beavan was the 17th overall pick in the 2007 draft and the Mariners are hoping he can live up to expectations in 2012.

No. 5 Starter: Charlie Furbush

4-10, 5.48 ERA, 67 K, 30 Walks

Charlie Furbush is the projected fifth starter for the Mariners, but may not hold on to the spot for long based on last season's struggles.

Closer: Brandon League

37 saves, 2.79 ERA, 5 blown saves

Brandon League was one of the few bright spots in Seattle last season, as he finished third in the American League in saves.