Saturday, January 4, 2020

Mariners Spring Training Coming Soon

We haven't heard much out of the Mariners this off-season with only a few minor transactions. In fact, they just picked up an infielder who previously was a first-round pick by the Toronto Blue Jays. The Mariners signed him to a minor-league deal to add depth to the farm system.

Outside of the trade of Omar Narvaez to the Milwaukee Brewers along with releasing Domingo Santana and Tim Beckham nothing else has happened. 

Spring training will begin in less than six weeks.  Will Jerry Dipoto pick up any other players especially a pitcher or two for the rotation or the bullpen. I would see likely more of someone for the rotation. Former Mariner TaiJuan Walker was released a few weeks ago by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Are the Mariners finding any interest in signing him up? He is still only 26 years old so he does still have upside at a reasonable amount of money. 

Jerry Dipoto and manager Scott Servais both have said that Shed Long will start at second base. What does that leave Dee Gordon? Will he be on the team when spring training starts or when the team comes north to Seattle. They must not be finding any takers at this point or at least they haven't mentioned any. They may decide to use Gordon as a super-utility player.  He can play short well as second base. The Mariners did try him in center field before Robinson Cano was suspended for 80 games in 2018. I am not saying to put him back out in center field but an occasional time in left should be OK. 

Another question what do the Mariners does if Daniel Vogelbach flops during spring training having trouble hitting like he did after the all-star break. Right now he is considered the left-handed designated hitter against righties with an occasion at first base. The Mariners would have options at designated hitter using one of the utility players or an extra outfielder. I prefer using different players at dh instead of one full-time one. There are not many dh guys like Edgar and Nelson Cruz out there. It would allow the youngsters to hit when they are not out on the field as well.

I just hope Dipoto does get in some players acquired before spring training. If not. we will see what they have throughout spring training. Go M's. 

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