Mariners Pre-Spring Training Press Conference

On Thursday the Mariners management team had their pre-spring training press conference at Safeco field. Not only was General Manager Jerry Dipoto and Manager Scott Servais at the press conference also Andy McKay director of player development among others. So the press was able to meet all the guys in leading the Mariners this coming season.

What they primarily talked about was the mental side of the team along with how they felt the Mariners would be this coming season. Other than a few roster spots most of the players in the starting lineup have already been place.

The starting pitching rotation is in place except the fifth spot. Several guys will be going after that spot and one of the guys who do not make it likely will land in the bullpen. Speaking of the bullpen the spots are filled except a couple. One of them likely will be a second lefty who goes along with Charlie Furbush.

The Mariners will have several candidates who fight as the right handed hitter to platoon with Adam Lind at first base. Also, the utility player has three candidates for that position. They made it very clear that the utility player must be able to play short stop really well. At least two of the candidates Chris Taylor and Luis Sardinas have experience playing shortstop in the major leagues. This means the third candidate Sean O’Malley will have a battle to be the utility player. His best chance would be playing in the outfield which will be an upward battle.  If he doesn’t make the team he would be available to be on hand at Tacoma. I would see him playing some short stop with the Rainiers if that is the case. One of the other two players who are vying for the position will be at Tacoma too.

Dipoto feels the Mariners will be in the running for winning the western division. He feels the position the roster is in right now can win around the mid-80s. He is not speculating or predicting exactly the amount of wins the Mariners will have however they will be in contention with wins in mid-80s.

Andy McKay said that he plans to be on hands and has plans for every player in the organization. Every month he will have a report card for every player. Also, every player regardless where they play whether in the rookie A league all the way up to the major league team will be told the same thing. So when a player moves up from one level to another they will be told the same thing. Other words the pitchers and hitters will be hearing the same things from each of their coaches. He is looking at consistency throughout the organization which is a good thing.

Tomorrow will look at the first base position as the Mariners have some new candidates to compete as the right handed bat.