Game Two Coming Up On Monday

The Seattle Mariners play the Chicago Cubs on Monday afternoon
at Peoria Stadium. It is on the radio only.

The Mariners have a whole different lineup than opening game on
Sunday afternoon, Kyle Seager is the only player in the lineup that
played on Sunday. Most likely he will get a couple at bats on the
day before coming out of the game.

Marco Gonzales who is expected to be the Mariners opening day
starter will be taking the mound. Last year Marco won 16 games
on the season. In September the Mariners gave him little offense
support or he could have had 18 wins. A good season even so for
a pitcher on a team that had a losing record while trying to rebuild.

Outside of Seager the Mariners will be leading off with Jake Fraley
starting in left field. He could be the Mariners starting left fielder
when opening season begins. He has the speed the Mariners can
use both defensively and on the base paths.

Austin Nola who played a lot of first base last season when he was
called up in June is catching and batting second. He likely will be
the backup catcher to Tom Murphy who started Sunday. With his
versatility we could see Nola playing all over the field. It will depend
whether they have a third catcher on the roster to begin the season
or not.

Patrick Wisdom who the Mariners signed as a minor league free
agent is playing first base. He likely will start the season in triple-A
Tacoma for added depth. In Tacoma he will probably play first base
along with third base as well.

Former all-star outfielder Carlos Gonzales the Mariners signed just
before camp to a minor league deal will bat fifth and play right field.
We will see if he has anything left. If so he could make the roster
as a veteran presence. With Mitch Haniger out right now the third
starting spot is open right now. Mallex Smith should start and play
center field. Kyle Lewis will likely start in left or right field depending
on his spring.

Tim Lopes is going to start at second base. In Tacoma he played a lot
of second and third base. When he was brought up to Seattle late in the
season he played mostly left field. He had never played the outfield
before but it was the spot open until Shed Long came up in September.
Lopes was like Nola when he was brought up he had never played in
the  major leagues before; however, he did an admirable job. Lopes likely
be the 25th or 26th man on the roster if he makes the team. They will
be able to use him in the infield and outfield.

Eric Filia is a non-roster invitee. Through his career in the Mariner
minor league system he has hit well. His problem he has been suspended
twice according to the minor league drug policy. Not sure his chance of
making the ball club but he has to stay clean if he expects to make the
major leagues at some point. He will be the designated hitter in this game.

Dylan Moore starts at shortstop. He was the Mariners primary utility
player last year. He will have competition to keep his spot this season.
He will likely play shortstop and third base when he is in the lineup.
With Dee Gordon likely to start the season on the Mariner roster
Moore will probably not play a lot unless injuries happen. He is
good to be on the team willing to be on the bench.

Jose Siri the Mariners recently picked up from the Cincinnati Reds on
waivers will be in center field. Last year he played primarily in double-A
ball with a little time in triple-A. Most likely he will start the season
in Tacoma.

Let you know how things go in this game later. This will be an exciting
spring training since there are spots for players to make the team.