This season the Mariners are not the team we expected to see
going into September. Everyone thought the Mariners would have at least the
same record as last year or greater instead they fell back to what they were
for a decade. I am sure everyone was like me looking forward to seeing them
playing in the playoffs. All they had to win only a few more games; instead
they will be lucky to break even if they have a real good September.
I just heard on the radio that Austin Jackson was traded to
the Chicago Cubs. How about this up to the minute news; I had a pretty good
idea that he would be traded because I believe the Mariners would have
mentioned about signing him to a new contract. It is possible that the Mariners
will trade other players that are not expected on the team next year in the
month ahead.
With the trade of Jackson I would see the Mariners bring up
James Jones to play some time in center field along with Brad Miller. I am sure
the Mariners will look to go and find a centerfielder unless Brad Miller wins
the spot; however, he likely will be super utility player. Looking at shortstop
Marte seems to be the choice for next season. I am sure Chris Taylor will play
some at shortstop in September as well. I see that Taylor will be extra
infielder next season unless the Mariners decide to trade him. I don’t see the
Mariners looking at him playing triple A any longer.
Right now I see the Mariners outfield looking next year as
Brad Miller, Seth Smith, Franklin Gutierrez, Mark Trumbo, and Nelson Cruz.
Saying all that the Mariners may trade Seth Smith and Trumbo during the off
season; there is a possibility that Brad Miller could be traded too if he is
involved in a multi-player trade. I am sure Trumbo and Cruz both will play
designated hitter when not in the outfield. Trumbo will play some first base as
well. Unless the Mariners go out and get another first baseman Trumbo may play
more first base than outfield. One thing for sure Cruz and Trumbo will not be
in the outfield at the same time because of defense limitations. I am sure the
Mariners will go out and get a proven centerfielder with Brad Miller as the
backup. I could see Seth Smith starting in either left or right field just like
now against right handed pitchers and Gutierrez again playing left field
against left handed pitchers. It would
be really nice if the Mariners could go out and get two regular outfielders but
the chances are slim that will happen.
When it comes to the infield Kyle Seager and Robinson Cano
will return playing third and second base. Shortstop could be a battle again
during spring training between Marte and Taylor. The loser likely will be the
extra infielder unless they decide that Brad Miller will play the infield some
as well as outfield. At first base the Mariners may use either Mark Trumbo or
Jesus Montero if they don’t trade for an experience first baseman. Both of them
will be the designated hitter as well when Cruz is not. There is a good
possibility that the Mariners may trade Logan Morrison; he does not look good
as the everyday first baseman. If on the team he would look like a part-time
first baseman and outfielder. He would come into the game late as a defensive
replacement at first, and start against some tough right handed pitchers that
either Trumbo or Montero could hit well against.
Last week sending Mike Zunino down to triple A makes me
believe that the Mariners may go out and get another catcher. If Zunino is on
the roster out of spring training he won’t play almost every day like he did
this year. He needs to spend time on the
bench learning the pitchers on the opposing teams. I could see him back
catching regularly in 2017. Remember he is still only 23 years old.
The starting pitching rotation will begin with Felix
Hernandez and TaiJuan Walker. I am sure the Mariners will resign Iwakuma to a
new contract. It is hard to say who the fourth and fifth starters will be. I
would not be surprised if the Mariners trade Logan Morrison along with another
player for a starting pitcher.
When it comes to the bullpen anything can be a guess. We
could flip a coin to see who the Mariners will do for relief. Right now
September will be real important for those in the bullpen right now. Those who
do well maybe retained while the rest will be told good luck somewhere else. In
the mean time we will say Go Mariners!
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