Seattle Mariners One Big Bat Away From Postseason Possibilities

For many, the 2009 baseball season has already been chalked up a lost cause for the Seattle Mariners.Though clearly on the down side of an uphill battle, it doesn't have to be a foregone conclusion that Seattle  will be at the bottom of their division this season.

After getting strong consideration as a potential World Series contender last year, the Mariners have fallen a long way, and are now looking up at the rest of the West. After revamping the front office as well as much of the line up, the M's are ready to start the new season, or are they?

Spring Training is still a couple of weeks away, but players and fans alike are already beginning to feel the itch of a new season. Many teams already have their squad together and are ready to get rolling.

However, teams such as the Mariners, still have unanswered questions. New general manager Jack Zduriencik has created a youth wave throughout the Northwest and preaches optimism to fans. He has brought in new outfielders Endy Chavez and Franklin Gutierrez, however the questions in the outfield remain the hot topic on the hot stove.

Zduriencik has proved he is a master of trade, as demonstrated by the 12-player swap that created a huge stir last December. But fans are curious as to whether he has one more trade up his sleeve before we head into Spring Training.

Rumors are swirling about the possible trade of a high-priced veteran, such as Miguel Batista or Jarrod Washburn, creating much optimism throughout the Seattle area. By dumping a high priced contract, the Mariners hope to add a big bat to fill the gaping hole left by left fielder Raul Ibanez.

This is where the debating comes in. 

Will the Mariners make a trade? Who will they trade? Who will they sign via free agency? 

Many Mariner fans have been hoping for a Ken Griffey Jr. reunion, but the aging Jr. appears to be a fallback plan if the M's can't land Bobby Abreu.

Abreu has expressed a slight interest in joining the Mariners next season, and is not at all out of the question if the M's can dump a few million dollars in salaries. During this current economic slump, free agents have seen their price tag drop drastically and the Mariners could be the primary beneficiary.

As a sports fan, there is always reason for optimism, no matter what the experts say. I encourage you all to get excited for the 2009 baseball season because sooner or later, the underdog's on top.

Will the Mariners be this years turn around team? Only time will tell, but they could be one big bat away from heading into spring training ready to make a run.