Seattle Mariners Go with Youth: 5 Reasons There's Hope for 2012

Let’s face it Mariners fans, 2011 is a pretty disappointing season.

After an exciting May and early June, I was optimistic of a playoff spot.

Those dreams were dashed with a 17-game losing streak.

But don’t fret, the future is pretty bright for the Mariners’ organization.

While I hope there are many, here are five reasons Mariners fans should have hope for the 2012 season.

5. Chone Figgins Is Another Year Closer to Being Gone

Of course, this isn’t in celebration of Chone Figgins as the player. This is a celebration that we are one season closer to getting rid of this colossal waste of money and bench space.

With his hefty $9 million for this and the next three seasons, his .188 batting average has Mariners’ fans slightly irritated.

At least he’s an adequate fielder. That has to count for something, right?

I think the picture says it perfectly.

4. Ichiro

It’s sad to see, but Ichiro is nearing the end of a hall of fame career.

Ichiro’s numbers have taken a bit of a dip this year, and it’s the first time he didn’t get an all-star bid.

With all that said, Ichiro is still one the best Mariners hitters and poses a threat every time he is up at the plate.

Let’s hope Ichiro bounces back and has an all-star level year in 2012.

3. Mike Carp and Dustin Ackley

The M's are dead last in pretty every single offensive category. Here are the two young hitters who I hope can bring a change offensively for the Mariners.

Carp is hitting .327 with six home runs and 26 RBIs on the year. And in Ackley’s rookie campaign, he has hit for a solid .284 with five home runs and 25 RBIs.

These two guys are good. Really good. Maybe next year the Mariners can score enough to give their great pitchers some wins.

2. Felix Hernandez and Michael Pineda

Speaking of said pitchers, here they are. King Felix and rookie Michael Pineda make for one of the best one-two punch combos in all of baseball.

If the Mariners hold on to these two gems and don’t trade them away, they will have one of the best pitching rotations in baseball for a decade or longer.

1. Free Agency

This is the Mariners’ best hope of competing long-term. The pitching staff is loaded throughout; it’s the hitting that needs some major tune-up. There are a plethora of big name free agents this offseason.

Here's a few:

Cody Ross - Lance Berkman - Jimmy Rollins - Carlos Beltran - Jose Reyes - Prince Fielder - Albert Pujols

If the Mariners were to get one or two of those guys, look out. This team would be dangerous.