The Seattle Mariners 2010 At-A-Glance
There hasn't been this much excitement going into a season since 2002, the year following the 116 win season for the Mariners. With the acquisition of Cliff Lee (LHP)and key role players like Chone Figgins (2B) and Casey Kotchman (1B) from Anaheim, and the controversial Milton Bradley(LF), GM Jack Zdureincik has added some key pieces to a team who won 85 games last season.
For now we will have to wait to see how Cliff Lee performs as he starts the year on the DL with an abdominal strain, and injury he has had in the past. Lee is expected to return this month and will throw a full BP session this week. Also on the DL is pitcher Eric Bedard, whose been plagued with injuries since joining the Mariners in 2008. If both pitchers are healthy, and performing to their previous standards,joining Felix Hernandez in the Mariners starting rotation will easily
give the Mariners the best rotation in the Major Leagues. That's a big "If" however.The Mariners started their regular season last night in a 5-3 win against the Oakland Athletics. Starting pitcher Felix Hernandez got a No Decision after leaving the game with 2 outs and 2 on in the 7th while the Mariners were up 3-1. Hernandez looked great on the mound, he did have 6 walks which was uncharacteristic of Hernandez,and was probably more due to the fact the umpire wasn't giving any strikes low in the zone all night. Overall, I thought Felix looked sharp,calm and collected on the mound. It is a treat to get to watch him mature and improve every year, last year finishing second in the AL Cy Young voting, look for him to be among the contenders this year as well.
Most noticeably was the speed and small ball Manager Don Wakamatsu set out to play. He took advantage of having Ichiro and Figgins 1,2 in the line up and sent them every time they were on base. Ichiro got caught twice, but Figgins advanced to third twice as well on wild throw from OAK catcher Suzuki. Even Milton Bradley was set in motion (and caught stealing), none the less when you run that often you will get caught, but you are also going to be successful alot. The Mariners are not built for power so taking advantage of the speed at the top of the order is going to play a big part in their ability to win games.
New comers Figgins and Kotchman looked great. Figgins scored 2 runs and had 2 stolen bases while Kotchman excelled driving in 4 runs in his Mariner's debut. Catcher Rob Johnson added a solo home run.
The bullpen which was strong last year, did well, Aardsma struck out 2 in the 9th to get the save, while reliever League got the win. All in all, it was a good game and I saw alot of thing I liked.
The Mariners had the best defense in baseball last season, while we no longer have gold glove 3rd baseman Adrian Beltre, Lopez seems to be transitioning well,and the new double play tandem of Figgin to Wilson to Kotchman (4-6-3) turned 4 double plays in the opener. The infield looks sound again this year.
Sports Illustrated picked the Mariners to finish 3rd in the NL WEST, which is exactly what we want people to think. The stellar starting pitching and super sonic speed (shout out) and golden glove defense up the middle will sneak up on the MLB this season. I look for them to excel, and win the West this year. Seattle should be excited for this season, I know I am.
**FINAL NOTES**
I have not forgoten about the incident with Milton Bradley, then a Texas Ranger and our beloved Jaime Moyer, where Bradley hit a homerun and proceeded to grab his crotch and spit at Moyer while crossing home plate. This is just one example of the many (MANY) controversial actions and remarks made by our new LF. I am all for forgiving and forgetting, as long as he is producing. Bradley went 0-3 in the season opener....it could be a long season for him.
Chone Figgins' name is pronounced Shawn or Shaun or Sean, but it most definelty is not pronounced Chone.
