Offseason Plans-Mariners
The Mariners have been a huge disappointment. After acquiring ace Erik Bedard, things were looking up. But injuries and ineffectiveness have led to their current standings. Let's see how they can fix it.
MARINERS OFFSEASON PLANS:
Who will they bring back?: I'm sure they would love to trade Kenji Johjima. But who's going to take on that contract. Looks like they're stuck with him. Raul Ibanez has probably seen his last days in Seattle. Adrian Beltre could be traded. Here's another juicy rumor: I'm hearing that Ichiro is on the block. They could get a decent return for him. Doesn't mean he will be traded, especially with the new contract. But it's something to keep an eye on.
Who will they get?: This team has a ton of holes. Catcher, first base,pitching. They could bring in Hank Blalock and have him play first. Emil Brown could replace Ibanez. How about Randy Johnson for another tour of duty? Unlikely, but a fun though nonetheless. Someone like Oliver or Odalis Perez makes more sense. A DH type is needed.
Projected '09 Rotation:
Hernandez
Bedard
Perez (Oliver)
Washburn
Batista/Dickey/Rowland-Smith
Projected '09 Lineup
Johjima/Clement, C
Blalock, 1B
Lopez, 2B
Betancourt, SS
Beltre, 3B
Balentien, LF
Reed, CF
Ichiro, RF (If he's traded,I could see someone like Emil Brown, or Kevin Mench here)
Burrell, DH
Relievers/Other Acquisitions:
Eddie Guardado, RP
This is a team that has pitching talent. If they can stay healthy, they have a chance to improve. Next up: Oakland.
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August 25th, 2008 - 15:02
hey go on my site and vote on the new poll
August 25th, 2008 - 15:38
ichiro is not going to be traded… he is the soul of the mariners and next season i believe they will have a good season. they have good pitching, great defense and an ok offense. they need to pick up a slugger this offseason, someone like Adam Dunn. But if ichiro does leave, what team do u think he would go to? and would u like manny in pinstripes? i hope sabathia comes to the yanks…make sure to vote on my new poll
August 25th, 2008 - 15:44
i did vote on the poll. And yes, Ichiro could be traded. Not likely, but it could happen. I’m sure a team like the Giants could pick him up. San Francisco has an Asian population, and in a post-Bonds world, they need a lot of marketing help, something that Ichiro will bring. Ichiro would also help a putrid offense.. Adam Dunn makes sense for the M’s, but it is a pitchers park. As for Manny, he would be great in pinstripes, but I don’t think the Yanks will take on his personality.
August 27th, 2008 - 17:41
Just a note to readers: the ichiro rumors aren’t unfounded. i just forgot to publish the link. sorry for the confusion
August 27th, 2008 - 21:31
Dunn isn’t going to the Mariners, they’re going to rebuild, not try to retool by signing big free agents to expensive contracts. And a hole at catcher? Sure, Johjima aint great, but Jeff Clement has a bright future ahead of him despite this year’s struggles, and I think they’ll go to him next year, and have Johjima DH. Signing Blalock wouldn’t be too bad, since he is still only 27, but I think they’d rather try to get some prospects by trading their vets and play them instead of signing expensive vets.
September 2nd, 2008 - 13:47
I don’t see Pat Burrell going to Seattle. In no way do I compare him to Richie Sexson, because Sexson either homers or strikes out. However, I think the Mariners want to build a team for the future. Burrell is only 32 but fans wouldn’t be happy if the team blew more money on an aging slugger. Burrell has also been with the Phillies his whole career and right now, nothing suggests he is going anywhere anytime soon. Don’t be surprised if the Mets try to resign Oliver Perez after this year. He has had a great second half. The only trouble could be his asking price. If it is too much for the Mets and the Mariners are willing to spend, I could see him going to Seattle. This is a solid blog and I have a lot of respect for jayankee1.