Lineup
Ichiro- He is one of the best leadoff hitters of all time. There is no reason why he should lose his leadoff position.
Chone Figgins- So the Mariners will try this speed duo one more time this year. Figgins had one of his worst years offensively last season, so there is strong reason to believe in a bounce back year. Figgins has advanced on the learning curve (evidence from a strong second half of the season last year) and will be much better. Having two guys who can steal you 40 bases a season and get on base 36% of the time is something special.
Jack Cust- Jack Cust was brought in to bring some offense to this team. Luckily for the Mariners, Jack Cust is a fastball hitter. The pretty thing about this situation is that pitchers will throw mostly fastballs to try and hold either Ichiro or Figgins from stealing bases. This could work out perfectly. Here is a fun fact about Cust- he lead the MLB in strikeout and walks in 2008.
Justin Smoak- The Texas Rangers rushed Justin Smoak too fast and it showed last year. He was just not ready for the professional level at the beginning of last season. After being send back down to AAA, Justin Smoak came back and showed the Mariners he still has a huge potential to be an impact bat. Though his projected numbers won’t be at an All-Star level, he will have made huge strides compared to last year’s averages.
Franklin Gutierrez- Franklin started off the season on fire, but quickly died down and ended the season with horrible numbers. If his bat could repeat his 2009 numbers, the Mariners would be very happy.
Miguel Olivo- Miguel played for the Mariners a few seasons ago and was absolutely terrible. Since then, he has improved his offensive game. If he could repeat his numbers from the last few seasons, Seattle would be pumped.
Michael Saunders- This is believed to be Michael Saunders year to prove whether he deserves to play professionally or in the minor leagues. He is still young and has tons of potential, but putting it all together will be key. Look for a strong showing from Saunders because he knows his job is on the line.
Brendan Ryan- Brendan Ryan will be the opening day second baseman for the Mariners. He is just holding this spot until Dustin Ackley is ready to be called up. There is not too much to say about Ryan, he is an average offensive player but a solid defensive player.
Jack Wilson- Jack Wilson will be the opening day short stop, but will likely get injured and someone will have to take over his position. Wilson changed his diet this offseason and lost a lot of weight, while also gaining a lot of muscle in his legs. We can always hope that these changes can make him more durable. Jack Wilson is just like Brendan Ryan. About average offensively for their position, yet above average on defense.
Pitching Rotation
Felix Hernandez- This is a no brainer. This is King Felix’s team and he is the true ace. He is considered to be one of the best pitchers in all of baseball. Hopefully this lineup can score more runs and get Felix some more run support to work with.
Jason Vargas- Vargas had a breakout year last year. Though he does not have the stuff to be considered a number 2 starter, he is the best option the Mariners have. Hopefully he will be able to keep improving his game.
Doug Fister- Fister also had a break out year last season. He was dominant in the first few months of the regular season until he injured his throwing arm and had to be placed on the DL. He was never the same pitcher after that. Hopefully he can bounce back and be a solid #3 pitcher.
Eric Bedard- Oh Eric Bedard. The people of Seattle had such high hopes for you and you could never stay healthy. When you were pitching, you were brilliant, but you were just always injured. Rumor has it that he is finally, FINALLY healthy. If he can pitch to his level of excellence, the Mariners could trade him in July for some good prospects. He owes us that.
David Pauley- David Pauley is just an average pitcher. There is nothing great about him, and he would fill in as the 5th starting pitcher until Michael Pineda is ready to play on the major league level.
So there is my rough breakdown of the starting line up on opening day for the Mariners. Things could easily change due to injuries or young prospects winning a roster spot, but I believe this is how it will look.
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