Wreck of the Ancient Mariners

The 2008 Seattle Mariners were one of the biggest disappointments of the 2008 MLB season. The Mariners became the first team in MLB history to post a 100 loss season while having a payroll over 100 million dollars. One of the bright spots for the Mariners was 2B Jose Lopez who set career highs in nearly offensive category. Also making great impressions last season were pitchers Ryan Rowland-Smith and 2006 first round draft pick Brandon Morrow who both saw their first action as members of the starting rotation while posting good results. The Mariners finished the year 61-101 and 39 games out of first place behind the first place Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Key Additions:

OF Franklin Gutierrez

OF Endy Chavez

RP David Aardsma

RP Tyler Walker

SP/RP Gaby Hernandez

SP/RP Garret Olson

1B/3B/DH Russel Branyan

SS/2B Ronny Cedeno

1B/DH Chris Shelton

2B Chris Woodward

DH Ken Griffey Jr.  (Looks like the Braves my land Griffey after all, stay tuned.)

RP Jose Lugo

Key Losses:

OF Raul Ibanez

CP J.J. Putz

RP Sean Green

Fantasy Players:

With the exceptions of Ichiro Suzuki, Adrian Beltre, Jose Lopez and Felix Hernandez the rest of this ball club would best be described as a shot in the dark when it comes to helping you win a fantasy championship. Ichiro will get you 200 hits you can pretty much count on that. Adrian Beltre and Jose Lopez are both coming off of good offensive years, not superstar years but consistent and reliable. Hernandez is probably the only Mariner pitcher that can be counted on for sure, however be sure to keep an eye on Erik Bedard and Brandon Morrow.

2009 Outlook

The Mariners go into the 2009 season looking to improve on their 100+ loss season. The offseason started off with the hiring of new General Manager Jack Zduriencik who then hired Oakland bench coach Don Wakamatsu to be the M’s field manager. Both newcomers are first timers looking to bring fresh new ideas to a struggling organization.

For the Mariners to be any sort of competitive this year they are going to need their starting rotation to pitch to its potential, which it failed miserably at last season. On paper the rotation is by far the strength of this team. The real questions will be can they hold on to a lead with the loss of closer J.J. Putz and can they ever get ahead with the loss of top RBI man Raul Ibanez.

My prediction for the Mariners in 2009 is 72-90 and last place in the AL West.

Projected Roster:

Starters:

First Base- Russel Branyan

Second Base- Jose Lopez

Third Base- Adrian Beltre

Shortstop- Yuniesky Betancourt

Left Field- Endy Chavez

Center Field- Franklin Guieterrez

Right Field- Ichiro Suzuki

Catcher- Jeff Clement

Designated Hitter- Ken Griffey Jr. (If JR. goes to Atlanta, Wladmir Balentin is probably in.)

Bench:

C-Kenji Johjima

Util- Mike Morse

OF- Wladmir Balentin

SS/2B- Ronny Cedeno

Starting Rotation:

Felix Hernandez

Erik Bedard

Brandon Morrow

Jarod Washburn

Carlos Silva

Bullpen:

Miguel Batista

Ryan Rowland-Smith

Jose Lugo

Mark Lowe

Roy Corcoran

Tyler Walker

Cesar Jiminez

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Tagged as: American League West, Brandon Morrow, Ichiro Suzuki, Jose Lopez, Ken Griffey, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Ryan Rowland-Smith