Seattle Mariners: 5 Signs M's Will Surprise Rest of AL West

With all the offseason talk about the other teams that populate the AL West, one of the clubs has had a relatively quiet winter. The Seattle Mariners are lying low in terms of acquisitions, and it could possibly be for good reason.

Maybe the Mariners think their club can contend out West in the American League. Here are a few reasons why the Mariners may be the best pick to shock the world and win the AL West.  

Ichiro Will Get Back on Track

In 2011, Ichiro had his worst season statistically which was in direct correlation with the Mariners' last-place finish in the division. It was the first time he had fewer than 200 hits in a season, and also the first time he had below a .300 average (.272). 

Odds are his days are done as a .300-plus hitter, but there is no reason to see his hit production decrease again.  

He will no longer be the leadoff spot, and will be moved to the No. 3 position in the batting order, according to manager Eric Wedge.  

This will give him the possibly have his best season RBI-wise and still rack up the hits like he used to do. I am personally pulling for the guy to have a few more successful seasons in him and finish off his career with 3,000 hits.  

Get Ready for the Jesus Montero Era

There were a lot of sour faces after the trade that took place between the Mariners and New York Yankees. New York got the young pitching sensation Michael Pineda in exchange for Jesus Montero.

Many thought that the Yankees won this one, but the Mariners came out of the deal well with Montero. He hit .328 with four home runs and 12 RBI in only 18 games played. 

Montero could spend some time at catcher and at first base along with Justin Smoak, but will also see some time at designated hitter.

There have been recent reports that Montero is a poor defender and only a big bat, but in that case he could be the next Edgar Martinez in the long run. It seems like a win-win situation however Montero pans out. 

In a division loaded with big-time hitters like Albert Pujols, Montero could have a breakout season and become among the big names in the AL West.  

The Pitching Staff Will Hang in There

Felix Hernandez is still an ace pitcher by all means, and it is not out of the picture to have a 20-win season in him if he can have good control and minimize walks. He saw a slight increase in his ERA last season, but could finally settle in as the best pitcher on the team. 

The other starters could be a little more questionable according to a Seattle Times report, as the Mariners gave up formidable starter Michael Pineda to the Yankees.

So now, after Hernandez, the Mariners have Jason Vargas and Hasashi Iwakuma filling in for the departure of Pineda. Vargas heated up at the end of last year, and Iwakuma still has some stuff from the Japanese league.  

Franklin Gutierrez Will Have a Comeback Season

Franklin Gutierrez has had a hard time staying healthy last season after playing at least 150 games the previous two seasons before that.

Gutierrez reportedly injured a pectoral muscle early on in training camp, but it should be sorted out come April.  

If he could return to his form that he once had with the Mariners back in 2009 and 2010, It would be a big contribution to the Mariners in the outfield and in terms of run production at the plate.  

What's Expected of the Mariners?

Nothing, really. The Mariners have made the fewest moves in terms of big-time acquisitions, so they have the smallest amount expected of them. This gives them even more optimism to possibly be a sleeper pick in the now-loaded AL West. 

If they can play small ball in a division dominated by big bats, it could be an interesting turnout. The could end up being the 2012 version of the Arizona Diamondbacks.